§ 25. Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken to experiment with the restocking processes by which Professor Kinkaid, of Washington University, has succeeded in developing on a paying basis the oyster-breeding grounds on the North-West Pacific coast of the United States of America?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Noel Buxton)I am aware of the investigations in oyster cultivation undertaken by the United States Bureau of Fisheries in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries of the State of Washington. The Pacific oyster is of a different species from our native oyster, and presents accordingly different problems of breeding and cultivation; but I may add that a member of the Ministry's scientific staff is now on his way to Canada to carry out investigations in oyster-breeding for the Biological Board of Canada, and it is hoped that an opportunity may occur for him to study American methods of oyster breeding and cultivation, both on the Pacific and the Atlantic coasts.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to find out whether our own men on the coast of North Norfolk and the Wash would not welcome this type of American oyster to try for breeding purposes?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe hon. Member is one of the greatest authorities on the subject of oysters, and he knows that the special difference between the English and American oyster must be borne in mind.