HC Deb 19 March 1886 vol 303 cc1361-2
MR. MACFARLANE (Argyll)

asked the President of the Board of Trade, If his attention has been called to the condition of the harbour of Girvan, in Ayrshire, and to the complaints of fishermen that heavy dues are exacted from them under the Provisional Order granted for the construction of the harbour; the original condition being that a depth of four feet would be maintained at low water, whereas the depth at low water does not now exceed two feet, that portions of the quay have fallen in, and that the harbour is in an unsafe condition; and, if he would take immediate steps to inquire into the case, and have: the defects complained of remedied?

THE PRESIDENT (Mr. MUNDELLA) (Sheffield, Brightside)

I have com- municated with the Girvan Harbour Commissioners, respecting the complaints that have been received from certain fishermen as to the condition of the harbour, and the following is the substance of their reply:—The rates levied on fishing boats are those authorized by Parliament. The depth of water required in the Parliamentary plans is 3 feet, and not 4 feet. In November last there was from 18 inches to 2 feet of water in excess of this. The bar and entrance is a shifting one, and during the winter the depth of water has been somewhat reduced; but the first flood or scour will probably remove the accumulated silt, which cannot be dredged in the winter months. A small portion (about 35 feet) of the old boulder wall—600 feet in length—has been undermined in consequence of dredging operations; but this will be rebuilt when the weather admits. The fairway is in no way obstructed and no accidents have occurred, the fishing boats going in and out every day that weather admits.

MR. MACFARLANE

said, that the complaint of the fishermen was as to the small depth of water at low water, which compelled them to lie to at half-tide at the entrance. He would ask, if it was possible for fishing boats to enter the harbour in safety at low water?

MR. MUNDELLA

said, he had sent the complaint to the Harbour Commissioners, and he had given exactly their reply. Anything further that the hon. Gentleman desired he would be happy to forward to the Commissioners, and he would show the hon. Gentleman any Correspondence that might take place. But he would point out that the Board of Trade had no power to compel them to adhere to their arrangements. That could only be done by Courts of Law.