§ MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been directed to the fact that efforts have been repeatedly made by the Corporation of Bootle and the Wallasey Local Board, with the object of having ferry communication established between Bootle and New Brighton; whether he is aware that the distance in a direct line across the Mersey, between 1612 Bootle and New Brighton, which is a popular and largely frequented watering-place, is about one mile, and that, in order to reach there, the inhabitants of Bootle, Walton, Kirkdale, Seaforth, Everton, and the northern portions of the City of Liverpool have to travel distances varying from three to five miles to the Liverpool Landing Stage, and thence a distance of over three miles by water; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the exertions of the above-named Public Bodies and strongly expressed public feeling in the matter by the large population affected, the Mersey Dock and Harbour Board have persistently refused to allow any facilities for embarking or landing passengers; and, whether he will exercise his influence to induce the Mersey Dock and Harbour Board to afford the required accommodation?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)I have communicated with the Mersey Dock and Harbour Board. With every desire to meet the views of the Bootle Authorities, the Dock Board are unable to assent to the establishment of this new ferry, as it would seriously interfere with, and retard the working of, the dock traffic at the entrance of the Canada basin, and which it is essentially necessary should be conducted with the utmost regularity and despatch. The Board of Trade are not in a position to interfere with the discretion of the Dock Board in this respect.