§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to the complaints made as to 546 the excessive charges for dues on vessels and cargoes at the harbour of Ardglass, County Down, Whether he has yet considered the matter, and if he can state what changes are proposed to be made?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)I have investigated the charges of the Ardglass Harbour, and I find they compare favourably with the charges in other deep water harbours on the East Coast, such as Arklow and Wicklow; hut they are far from meeting the annual charge of maintenance, still less for the making of any provision for paying off the debt on the harbour. In 1885–6 the receipts were £104, and the expenditure £761; in 1886–7 the receipts were £162, and the expenditure £816; in 1887–8 the receipts were £249, and the expenditure £848. These figures, although they show a progressive increase of receipts, do not justify me in recommending a reduction of the dues.
§ MR. M'CARTANIs the hon. Gentleman aware whether, in the case of the Ardglass Harbour, there are any charges which prevent an increase of the receipts?
§ MR. JACKSONNo, Sir; I do not think the figures I have quoted justify that conclusion, because the receipts show a continuous increase. In the two years they have more than doubled.