HC Deb 04 August 1859 vol 155 cc989-90
GENERAL UPTON

called the attention of the House to the station selected for the packet service between Ireland and Scotland—viz., Portpatrick and Donaghadee. He believed these were not the best ports that could have been selected for the purpose, and he would be prepared to move for an inquiry into the subject next Session. Meanwhile he hoped the Government would not press the application of the sums that had been granted for this service.

MR. W. WILLIAMS

said, they had been told years ago that the sum then voted for Donaghadee was the last that would be asked. He quite agreed with the gallant General, and thought this would be merely the occasion of wasting large sums of public money.

MR. VANCE

thought it was very desirable to shorten the passage between Ireland and this country as much as possible, and as the ports in question were the two nearest points of the two countries he thought it very desirable to complete the accommodation proposed.

SIR ANDREW AGNEW

said, Commissioners had been sent down to examine this matter, and they decided to be in favour of Donaghadee and Portpatrick. Parliament had acted on their decision, and it was now too late to disturb the arrangement.

COLONEL DUNNE

said, there was a Vote of £20,000 for Donaghadee, and he should like to know whether this was to be the last Vote, or the commencement of a series of similar Votes?

Motion agreed to.

House in Committee.