§ The House went into Committee of Supply.
Mr. Baling moved that the Sum of 9,750l. be granted for the improvement of the harbour of Kingstown, in Ireland.
Mr. Prymeobjected to a grant on such grounds. Why should a local purpose be paid for out of the general funds? In England, where an undertaking of that nature was beneficial, capitalists were always ready to undertake it. If not beneficial, it ought not to be undertaken at all.
Mr. Ruthvensupported the grant. He would not grudge 300,000l. if it were required, to keep up the communication between Ireland and this country.
§ Mr. Finnadverted to sums of 50,000l. and 60,000l. extracted from the Royal domains in Ireland, and applied to local purposes in England. What were all the improvements at Charing-Cross, and Regent Street, but local improvements, made at the general expense. When it was known that 5,000,000l. out of 12,000,000l. of Irish revenue were spent in this country he thought that such a sum as that now proposed ought not to be grudged.
§ Lord Sandoncould not have agreed to the grant, if it had been strictly local; but considering that it was for the improvement of one of the great means of communication between Great Britain and Ireland, it should meet with his support.
Mr. Chapmansupported the Motion. It was to be placed in the same category as the Breakwater at Plymouth.
§ Vote agreed to.