§ MR. SEALE-HAYNE (Devon, Ashburton)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board why, in reference to the re-construction of the sea wall and promenade at Teignmouth, Devon, which was injured by the storm of the 9th of March last, a period of 11 weeks' delay has taken place from the date of the application of the Teignmouth Local Board (25th March), for sanction to borrow £1,700 to re-construct the wall, and the holding of the official inquiry by the Local Government Board fixed for the 11th instant; and whether, having regard to the great importance to the amenities of Teignmouth as a watering-place of the speedy restoration of the sea wall and promenade for the use and benefit of visitors during the approaching season, he will take steps to expedite the requisite official sanction of the loan required by the Local Board?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE,) Tower Hamlets, St. George'sFor some time past there has been considerable pressure on the Engineering Inspectors of the Local Government Board. I may, at the same time, observe that although the application for sanction to the loan was made at the date mentioned, some time elapsed before the Board was furnished with the plans and other particulars in respect of the proposed works which were requisite. The notices for the Inquiry were issued on the 29th of 1716 last month, and there will be every desire to communicate promptly to the Local Board the decision on their application after the Inquiry has been held.