HC Deb 08 May 1883 vol 279 cc230-2
MR. JESSE COLLINGS

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether his conference this afternoon with the local authorities of Southport has altered his views with respect to the sale of the foreshore; and, if he will state what course he proposes to take under the circumstances?

MR. DODSON

Sir, I have not yet had time to consider the arguments addressed to me by the deputation from Southport, which left me only about two hours ago; and, until I have done so, I can scarcely be expected to answer the Question. But, at the same time, it must be understood that there can be no question of receding from a binding contract. I may add, however, that I am willing to use my good offices as a mediator between the Corporation of Southport and the riparian proprietors; and I have good reason to know that the proprietors will gladly avail themselves of those good offices as far as concerns the foreshore opposite the town of Southport, and the terms on which it should be given to the Corporation. I have stated this to the deputation which was with me this afternoon; and I am not without hope that reasonable counsels may prevail, and that an amicable arrangement may be arrived at, especially if the subject be left to be treated, as it should be, as a matter of business.

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's answer referred to the foreshore of the be rough of Southport, which was a very small part, or to the foreshore of the whole of the town, marked brown on the map, with which the right hon. Gentleman was acquainted?

MR. DODSON

Sir, I have stated that I have offered my good offices as mediator between the parties, and that I am willing to use those offices of mediator between the Corporation and the riparian proprietors; and, therefore, I mean to use my good offices, not applying them to one or to another particular part of the foreshore. I have reason to know that, so far as opposite the town of Southport is concerned, the riparian proprietors will be glad to avail themselves of the Corporation offer.

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

But that is a very small portion of the foreshore. ["Oh, oh!"] I am sorry to ask the Question again. ["Order!"]

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

I presume, when the right hon. Gentleman opposite speaks of the offer of his good offices, he did not confine them to any one particular part of the foreshore, but extended them to any part in regard to which there was any question between the two parties.

MR. DODSON

Certainly.