HC Deb 06 August 1888 vol 329 cc1706-7
MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to the present state of the harbour at Newcastle, County Down; whether he is aware that the pier is now in ruins, and that it is impossible to bring with safety any vessel into the harbour; and, whether, considering the loss to trade, and the loss and danger to the poor fishermen who live there, he will advise a grant to be given to put into repair the quay of this favourite summer resort?

MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I beg to ask the hon. Gentleman to consider this. Before I was dismissed from the Inspectorship of Fisheries by Earl Spencer, at the instigation of hon. Gentlemen opposite, I was carefully considering—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)

The pier in question was handed over to the Grand Jury in the year 1854. I understand that it was damaged by a storm in the year 1868; but all liability for the expense of repairing it attaches to the Grand Jury.

COLONEL WARING (Down, N.)

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Grand Jury protested against the handing over of the pier in the condition it then was?

MR. JACKSON

My experience is that Grand Juries, when piers are constructed, object to them being handed over to them.

MR. M'CARTAN

I wish to say, on my own behalf and on behalf of hon. Friends around me, that I hope the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Johnston) will soon be appointed a Fishery Commissioner again.