HC Deb 31 March 1892 vol 3 cc332-3
MR. COX (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the high tide on the night of 18th November, 1891, made a large gap in the Clare slob land reclamation embankment, causing serious danger to the navigation of the River Fergus; and whether it is the intention of the Board of Works to repair the embankment, and complete the reclamation of the slob lands, on which a sum of £175,000 has already been expended?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. GORST,) Chatham

I am aware of the breach made in the embankment of the Clare slob reclamation by a storm which occurred on the 18th October, 1891. The Government, having carefully considered the matter, have decided not to incur further expenditure upon the undertaking. I should add, perhaps, that the outlay up to date has been £134,053, not £175,000.

MR. COX

Are we to understand that after an expenditure of £175,000, which the Board of Works bungled as they have bungled everything they have set their hands to, all this money is to be derelict, and be thrown away?

SIR J. GORST

Yes; I confess this money, £134,000, may be considered as thrown away, and it is not intended to spend any more in the same direction.