HC Deb 06 August 1888 vol 329 cc1713-4
MR. J. BARRY (Wexford, S.)

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If the Treasury has decided to take any action on the recommendation made by the recent Royal Commission in reference to the completion of Rosslare Harbour, County Wexford; whether his attention has been drawn to the Resolution passed by the Grand Jury at the late Assizes, urging the necessity for speedily granting a small amount of Government aid to prevent a stoppage of the works at Rosslare, which would lead to the closing of the railway between Rosslare and Wexford, and would involve great loss and inconvenience to the country and to the town of Wexford; and, whether he is aware that the large sum of money (over £200,000) already ex- pended, and a portion of which was raised locally, on the understanding that the Government would complete the harbour, will be practically lost unless Government aid is at once forthcoming to finish the works?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)

, in reply, said, the facts were as stated in the Question of the hon. Gentleman. General Sankey, of the Irish Board of Works, had been at Rosslare; and he (Mr. Goschen) saw him on Friday last, when he reported on the condition of the harbour, and the necessary expenditure which might be required. The hon. Member was probably aware that when the Royal Commission which had recently inquired into the question of Irish Public Works reported on this harbour, they recommended the amalgamation of the Rosslare and Wexford Harbour Boards. The Government regarded this amalgamation as a sine quâ non for any assistance to Rosslare; and it would be for hon. Members and others to exercise their influence to promote this amalgamation.

MR. BARRY

asked, whether, while the Treasury was considering the larger question of dealing with the harbour, it would be possible to make a small grant for the purpose of continuing the works, which otherwise would be stopped within a few days?

MR. GOSCHEN

said, as soon as the Treasury knew there was a disposition to promote the amalgamation they would be prepared to make a grant; he was quite aware of the urgency of the matter, and it was engaging the attention of Her Majesty's Government.