§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, What further sums are available for the construction of piers and harbours in Ireland under the Act 46 and 47 Vic. c. 26, from the following sources—namely, the unexpended balance out of the £20,000 allocated by the Board of Public works for expenses; the difference between the estimated cost of the harbour works undertaken, and the actual sum expended thereon; and the interest on the balances remaining in the hands of the Treasury out of the £250,000 voted by Parliament for piers and harbours, which interest a former Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury, the honourable Member for the Bodmin Division of Cornwall, promised would be added to the Piers and Harbours Fund?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (MR. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)I am afraid it is impossible to give any very definite reply to this Question. 1737 The £250,000 may be divided into three portions. First, £20,000 reserved for expenses; out of this some £5,000 or £6,000 may be expected to be saved. Secondly, £203,000 allotted as free grants; looking to the uncertainty which always attaches to sea works it would not be safe to count on any saving here. Thirdly, £27,000 granted on loan; this amount will be available hereafter when the loans have been repaid. As regards allowing interest on the undrawn balance of the fund, I do not find that any distinct promise was given; but in any case, as the hon. Member knows, legislation would be necessary.