HC Deb 19 February 1884 vol 284 cc1337-8
SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he is aware that, from damage done to the abandoned Government works at Portpatrick by the late severe gales, the town is in imminent danger of destruction; whether the natural defences of the harbour were removed in order to erect docks, &o. for the service of the Government, and that from the abandonment of the works and their recent collapse the town is much more exposed to the sea than it was before; and, whether the Board of Trade contemplate taking any steps for the preventing of further destruction of property?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

I was not aware of any recent damage done to Portpatrick Harbour, as the Board of Trade have had nothing to do with that harbour for more than 10 years. By the Portpatrick Harbour Act, 1873, of the introduction of which all parties had full notice, the Board of Trade were absolutely freed and released from all liabilities in relation to the making, maintaining, and preserving the harbour and its works. Petitions which had been presented against the Bill were withdrawn, and the Bill passed through a Committee upstairs unopposed. In November, 1881, I caused a communication to be made to the hon. Baronet—in reply to a letter from him—to the effect that full opportunity for opposing and for claims for compensation was given while the Act was passing through Parliament, and that none were forthcoming. Under these circumstances, the Board of Trade are unable to take any steps in the matter.

SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

The damage to which I refer is a recent occurrence, and I hope the Board of Trade will cause some inquiry to be made on the subject.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

I have already stated that the Board of Trade has nothing to do with the damage that has been caused.

SIR JOHN HAY

As the fishing harbour is now being destroyed in consequence of the works which were erected, I hope the right hon. Gentleman may see his way to direct some inquiry.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

I think it will be altogether unprecedented if the Government, under the circumstances, were to take such a course.