§ MR. CAWLEYasked the Surveyor General of the Ordnance, Whether the statement contained in the "Times" of Thursday last, that "a party of workmen have commenced sinking for foundations at the Gun Wharf, Chatham, to repair the river wall which recently gave way, and which will cost several thousands of pounds to repair," is true; and, if so, to what extent such wall has given away, and what is the estimated cost of its repair?
§ SIR HENRY STORKSSir, on the 15th of July last about 40 yards in length of the old Gun Wharf wall at Chatham fell into the Medway, and carried with it a small part of the wharf', built about 25 years ago. About 50 yards altogether will have to be re-built. The cause of the wharf giving away is stated to have been due to the drainage, from a large drain which runs through the wall having been impeded by a stoppage at the mouth of the drain, and a consequent accumulation of water at the back of the wall. No estimate can yet be given of the cost of re-constructing the wall. The workmen referred to in the Question of the hon. Member have been employed in examining the site preliminary to a plan and an estimate of the work of re-construction being made.