HC Deb 01 April 1824 vol 11 c46

Mr. Hume moved for a return of the expences of the establishment of the Breakwater at Plymouth, specifying the salary paid to each person employed, according to the last return. He understood that the sums expended had been less and less every year; and there could be no necessity therefore for keeping up the establishment on the same scale as when the expenditure amounted to 100,000l.

Sir G. Clerk

said the expences of this establishment had been reduced to the lowest possible scale. He was sure the House would not think there had been any improvidence in the management of the funds for this great national work, when he stated that it was likely to be completed at a sum less by 200,000l. than the original estimate.

Sir I. Coffin

said there had never been a work of so much importance conducted in so economical a manner. It had completely answered the public expectations; for one of the most unsafe anchorages with which he had been acquainted, had now become a perfect mill-pond. Ten thou-sand advantages had accrued from this great national undertaking, which had never been contemplated: and if it had cost half as much as the national debt, he should not have grudged it.

The motion was agreed to.

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