MR. FREVILLE-SURTEESsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, If it is the intention of the Government to take any steps to protect the Batteries on the Moor at Hartlepool against the action of the sea, the North Battery having become so undermined as to render it dangerous to use the guns?
§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTON, in reply, said, the batteries referred to by the hon. Member were erected for the protection of the town of Hartlepool and the adjacent harbour, on the understanding that the local authorities would build the sea wall necessary to ensure their safety. That had not been done, and in consequence of the inroad of the sea the batteries were in danger. The mayor and corporation of Hartlepool were the persons who ought to build the sea wall to protect the batteries, and if they did not do it he was afraid the Government would have to remove the guns and abandon the works.