§ MR. SEXTONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, How soon the construction of Malin Head Pier (Donegal) is to be commenced, according to 306 the terms of the contract concluded with Messrs. Colhoun, of Derry; whether the estimate of the Irish Board of Works for this pier was £10,000, and whether this estimate was met as follows:—£300 by subscription from the locality; £1,000 loan by the Board of Works, to be repaid in twelve years by the county at large; £1,000 further loan from the Board of Works, to be repaid by a tax on the ratepayers of the district of one shilling in the pound for twelve years; and £7,700 free grant; whether the contract for the pier has been taken at £7,765, and whether a proportionate part of the saving will be returned to subscribers, and a proportionate part deducted from the charge upon the county and district, or whether the saving will be used in further improvement of the harbour, or how it will be applied; whether the Board of Works have declined to furnish to any ratepayer interested a copy of the detailed plan and specification; and, whether, in view of the local interests concerned in the work, the money subscribed in the district, and the taxation to fall upon it in consequence of the construction of the pier, the Government will arrange that a copy of the detailed plan and specification shall be available for examination by the interested ratepayers?
§ MR. HIBBERTThe contractors for this pier have been making preparations on the spot, and hope to be vigorously at work early in May. The figures are correctly given by the hon. Member; but it is impossible to say what actual saving will be realized until the works are complete, as there are expenses, such as the pay of the clerk of the works, not included in the contract. A copy of the detailed plans and specifications will be given to the secretary of the Grand Jury if he applies; and full information will be given to any interested person who may apply. A plan showing the position and nature of the work has already been sent to the Rev. Mr. Doherty.
§ MR. SEXTONMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Irish Government would consider the propriety of allowing the savings made upon the estimates of the contract to be allocated for the commencement of further works?
§ MR. HIBBERTThe case stands thus. The Treasury have estimated that 307 after the probable working expenses, there now remains a balance of £45,000 to be allocated, and they have suggested that the Commissioners should look into the various cases and select those which have strong claims, so that the amount of preliminary future grants should be decided.