HC Deb 11 August 1884 vol 292 cc439-40
GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOUR

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If, during the Recess, the question of harbours will be taken up by the proper Departments of the State, in order that the inquiries of the Select Committee may be turned to a practical and useful result?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

I am afraid I cannot give a very definite reply to the Question of my hon. and gallant Friend. I admit the gravity and in- terest of the subject; and as soon as the evidence taken during this Session by the Select Committee on Harbour Accommodation is published, the recommendations made in the two Reports of the Committee will receive the careful attention and consideration of the Government. I hope we will be able to come to some conclusion before the next meeting of Parliament.

In reply to a further Question by General Sir GEORGE BALFOUR,

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

said, the preliminary consideration of the Reports would be undertaken by the Board of Trade, who would make their recommendations to the Government on the subject.