§ MR. P. McDONALD (Sligo, N.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, If the contemplated Government Commission of Inquiry into the condition and best means of developing the resources of Ireland will embrace within its scope of investigation the admitted necessity of improving the harbour accommodation on the West Coast of Ireland; and, if so, will the Commission take into consideration the recommendation of the Select Committee of 1883 and 1884, more especially as regards the harbours of Sligo and Ballina, and also the declared want of suitable fishery piers along the Sligo Coast; and, if the Lords of the Treasury will, under present circumstances, reconsider their decision, as conveyed in their reply of 27 th November 1885, in reference to the application of the Sligo Harbour Commissioners for a loan, within their borrowing powers, for the purpose of deepening and improving the port and harbour of Sligo?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)The proposed Commission will take into consideration the question of harbour accommodation on the West Coast of Ireland, so far as large harbours are concerned; but it will not deal with the subject of small fishery piers. I observe that the Sligo Harbour Commissioners last year did not offer adequate security for the loans; but I can only say that if they do so now the Board of Works will carefully consider their application.