§ MR. COX (Clare, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to the fact that the Irish Board of Works have issued a notice cautioning mariners when entering or leaving the River Fergus that, a breach through which the tide flows having been made in the Clare slob embankment, vessels coming within the influence of the current are liable to be drawn through the breach or to be stranded on the opposite shore, whether he is aware the Clare Castle Harbour Trustees have repeatedly since 26th January last called the attention of the Board of Works to the dangerous condition of the river, owing to this breach, without any attention having been paid to their representation; and what action is intended to be taken to secure the safe navigation of the river?
SIR J. GORSTThe terms of the notice cautioning mariners are given in the question. The Board of Works are advised that they can take no further steps than issue the notices referred to.
§ MR. COXWill the Government take any action at all with respect to this matter, or as to the navigation of this river, the obstruction in which is entirely owing to the blundering and incapacity of the Irish Board of Works?
SIR J. GORSTI think the hon. Member takes an unnecessarily strong view of this matter. It is only a current against which mariners are warned.
§ MR. COXI do not think I take an exaggerated view of the case. The notice says that vessels are liable to be drawn into the breach or stranded on the opposite shore.