HC Deb 12 May 1863 vol 170 cc1660-1

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [5th May], That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the state of Holyhead Harbour, with a view to ascertain the best method of affording safe and efficient accommodation for the Vessels engaged in the Irish Mail Service, and for the Passengers conveyed by them.

Question again proposed.

Debate resumed.

COLONEL DUNNE

said, as the information he had received confirmed the statements he had made respecting the works, he must press the Motion for a Committee.

LORD CLARENCE PAGET

said, the Government were now constructing a pier at Holyhead which would add greatly to the safety of passengers and shipping. He did not see that a Select Committee could obtain any more information than was now possessed by the Government and the House, and he therefore opposed the Motion.

MR. LAIRD

said, he believed the works proposed by the Government would not make Holyhead harbour either safe or convenient, and he entertained a confident expectation that the appointment of the proposed Committee would ultimately save a considerable amount of public money.

MR. CONOLLY

said, that nothing could be more incomplete than the proposals of the Government; and incomplete as they were, nothing had been done towards carrying them them out. A little pressure applied to the Government would be very useful.

MR. PEEL

stated, that the promises of the Government were in process of being carried out. The very thing for which the hon. and gallant Member expressed anxiety—the solidification of the pier—had already been carried out to a great extent.

MR. GEORGE

denied that driving piles with considerable intervals between each amounted, in fact, to a solidification of the pier.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 73, Noes 47; Majority 26.

Select Committee appointed.

And on June 1 Committee nominated, as follow:— Colonel DUNNE, Mr. CORRY, Mr. LAIRD, Colonel PENNANT, Colonel VANDELEUR, Lord NAAS, Mr. JOHN TOLLEMACHE, Mr. LEFROY, Mr. MILNER GIBSON, Mr. STANSFELD, Mr. HERBERT, Mr. DALGLISH, Colonel FRENCH, Lord JOHN BROWNE, and Lord RICHARD GROSVENOR:—Power to send for persons, papers, and records; Five to be the quorum.