§ 19. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that from time immemorial the inhabitants on the western seaboard of Ross-shire have used the seaweed on the seashore for the purpose of cultivating their holdings; that the Board of Trade is now challenging their right to do so; and will he take steps to restrain his subordinates from interference with the inhabitants in their use of a commodity which is of vital importance to them in the cultivation of their holdings?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am aware of the importance of seaweed for agricultural purposes, and that its removal from Crown foreshore has been carried on with the tacit consent of the Board of Trade for many years. I am, however, advised that, for the purposes of safeguarding the Crown's title to the foreshore, formal permission should be obtained, but this will be given freely in most cases, without payment, on application to the Department's local officers.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIn view of the fact that only last year the Government gave £100,000 to relieve distress in the Highlands, does my right hon. Friend think it wise at this time to attempt to revive an antiquated and challengeable right of this kind?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would not be in order in discussing the questions of foreshores. The question relates to seaweed. I can assure my right hon. Friend that the seaweed will be available to his constituents in the future as in the past.