Mr. Riceasked the right hon. Baronet the Secretary for the Home Department, when it would be the pleasure of Her Majesty's Government to lay upon the Table the Report of the Commissioners appointed last Session to inquire as to the several harbours of the south and south-east coast, with a view to the formation of harbours of refuge? That Report, he might observe, had been generally circulated by the public press, whilst it had not been presented to the House. He wished also to ask, whether Her Majesty's Government proposed to take any steps with regard to the recommendations of that Report?
§ Sir J. Grahamdeeply regretted that reports confidentially received by the Government did, by some means, obtain publicity in the newspapers. The report in question had occupied the attention of the Government. The distinguished officers and others composing the Commission had made certain recommendations worthy of consideration, and they had proposed the construction of more than one harbour of refuge. There were, however, important considerations connected with the expense. The cost of the harbour of Dover alone was estimated at 2,500,000l. He thought it was of great importance to improve the harbour of Holyhead, so as to facilitate communication with the other part of the United Kingdom. Government had not yet come to a decision regarding the recommendations of the Report. The Commissioners had thus classed the importance of the harbours. Dover they had placed first, Portland next, and Seaford third. With respect to Dover they had suggested experiments upon the matter held in suspension in the sea, and depositing in the bay, with a view of determining whether the harbour was not likely to be stopped up. He was not prepared to recommend that the sum of from two to three millions should be lightly and 154 inconsiderately expended. The Report had been referred to the Lords of the Admiralty, and the importance of the subject, and the weight the Report derived from the character of the Commissioners, he fully acknowledged.