§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received a petition, signed by some 700 mariners and fishermen of Portsmouth, representing that the new Admiralty works for protecting the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour are, in their present form, not 445 only preventing the said mariners and fishermen from following their avocations, but also constitute a danger to their lives and vessels; whether he is aware that there have been already several accidents to boats resulting from these works; and whether he will consider the request of these petitioners to have a slight modification effected in the arrangement of the concrete blocks so that one navigable opening may be left in time of peace which could readily be closed in time of war.
§ (Answered by Mr. McKenna.) The petition referred to by the hon. Member has been received. While it is recognised that the work may cause some inconvenience to coasting craft, it does not constitute a danger to them if proper care is exercised. One case has been reported in which a boat was slightly damaged. The modification proposed by the petitioners would impair the utility of the work, which is necessary for the proper defence of the harbour, and, looking to the important interests involved, it is regretted that a departure from the original scheme, as indicated, cannot be made.