§ MR. W. J. CORBET (Wicklow, E.)asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Lords of the Treasury have considered the statement of the Town Commissioners of Arklow, in which they protest against the proposal of the Board of Works to raise an additional loan, on the guarantee of the rates, of £4,325 to complete the harbour; whether it is alleged that the original sum of £20,000, for which a baronial guarantee was given, in addition to the Treasury Grant, was ample to do the work, but for the large sum expended in repairing damages, owing to the collapse of the breakwater during its construction; and, whether, under the circumstances, the Treasury will increase the grant by a sum sufficient to put the harbour in working order?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)the statement referred to by the hon. Member has been considered. It is alleged that the original sum was ample. Additional expenditure was, however, necessary in consequence of damage done by storms during the progress of the work, and of delay caused by discussion. In June last year a joint deputation of the Town Commissioners 830 of Arklow and the local Harbour Committee unanimously approved the completion of the south pier on the Board of Works' plan. Unless the Town Commissioners are prepared to guarantee in the terms of the Act the additional capital required, I fear that the proposed north groyne cannot be proceeded with; but experience may show that it is not necessary. Two eminent engineers who were called in are of opinion that experience might show that the works already done would be sufficient for the purposes of a harbour.