§ DR. TANNERI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is a fact that Mr. Wolfe Barry reported that the cement used in the construction of Bally-cotton Pier was bad, and that the concrete in some places little better than loose gravel; if it is true that the Board of Works are going to carry out Mr. Barry's recommendations relative to the old pier, at the expense of £700, and to ignore all suggestions concerning the new structure; whether it is a fact that the Board have stated they have no responsibility as regards Mr. Barry's recommendations about the new pier; and on whose recommendation, and by what authority, was the original statement made, that the old pier was entirely removed, which will now require £700 to remove?
§ *MR. JACKSONsaid he was not aware that Mr. Wolfe Barry reported that the cement used in the construction of the Ballycotton Pier was bad. There were two or three small portions in which the concrete was found to be defective, but he was informed this did not affect the stability of the pier. The Board of Works were deepening the harbour in accordance with the recommendations of Mr. Wolfe Barry. He was not aware that the Board had stated that they had no responsibility as regarded these recommendations. He was not aware that there had been any original statement—certainly not by him—that the old pier was entirely removed. The statement made was that the old pier had been removed in accordance with the specification of the contract. The deepening that was going on had reference not only to the foundation of the old pier, but to the rock.
§ DR. TANNERWill any of Mr. Barry's recommendations for remedying the defects of the new pier be carried out?
§ *MR. JACKSONI am sure the hon. Member would not desire to spend money unnecessarily; and if it is found that the pier is in a satisfactory condition, it is not proposed that further expenditure should take place in regard to it.
§ DR. TANNERAm I to understand that Mr. Wolfe Barry is perfectly satisfied with the new structure?
§ *MR. JACKSONHe has made certain recommendations in his Report, which has been presented to the House.
§ MR. FLYNN) (Cork, N.Has the hon. Gentleman any knowledge of the fact that a considerable settlement has taken place in the pier since his visit last year?
§ *MR. JACKSONNo, Sir; I have no knowledge of that fact, and my information is completely to the contrary.