§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he is in a position to lay upon the Table Plans and Estimates of the proposed harbour at Dover to be carried out by convict labour, in a form to enable the House to form a judgment upon the scheme, before a Vote is taken for the Convict Prison to be built at Dover?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT,in reply, said, that Papers had already been supplied to the House, which gave the plans and estimates for the proposed harbour. What the Government proposed was, to build a prison by convict labour. That would take three years to complete, before the harbour works would be commenced; and, therefore, during that period there would be time for re-considering and carefully going over the plans and estimates for the harbour. He only mentioned that, because it must not be taken for granted that the plans and estimates were absolutely and finally conclusive.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked what course the Government intended to pursue should the Harbour be found almost impossible of construction at Dover?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT,in reply, said, that could not be taken for granted. Of course, the Government relied on their scientific advisers. As their advisors thought it to be possible, the Government had founded the plans on that advice.