HC Deb 17 April 1888 vol 324 cc1478-9
COLONEL ANSTRUTHER (Suffolk, Woodbridge)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the War Office intend closing the entrance to Harwich Harbour during rifle practice on Landguard Common; and, whether such a step is taken with the consent and advice of the Board of Trade and of the Harwich Harbour Conservancy Board?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

No, Sir; I understand that there is no such intention.

MR. F. S. STEVENSON (Suffolk, Eye)

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he has authorized the War Office to close the deep water channel into Harwich Harbour?

THE PRESIDENT (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)

The Board of Trade, after holding a local inquiry, gave, on the 29th of October last, the consent required by the Artillery and Rifle Ranges Act, 1885, to the bye-laws which the Secretary of State for War had made. The bye-laws will not prevent vessels entering and leaving Harwich Harbour passing through the range, as they provide that firing is to cease during the passage of vessels.