§ MR. M. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the dangerous state of Newcastle Pier, County Down, which is now a total wreck; whether his attention has been called to the last Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries, where it is reported by the divisional officer of the district that a good harbour at Newcastle would undoubtedly give a great impetus to the fishing industry on this coast, and, again, that it would be very valuable for landing fish and for refuge; and, whether, considering the danger to which the fishermen are now exposed and the urgent necessity for a harbour at Newcastle, he will consider the desirability of sending an independent engineer to report to him on the matter?
§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)said, that before the right hon. Gentleman considered the question he should like to ask him to give this matter his most favourable consideration, seeing that the Government were so anxious to foster the fishing industry of Ireland.
§ MR. HANBURYI am afraid that I must refer the hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend behind me to the offer that was made by my predecessor on the 10th May last, to which no reply appears to have been received. What Sir John Hibbert said on that occasion was as follows:—
The Pier is vested in the County Authorities and its ruin is due, not to faulty construction, but to their neglect to make timely repairs. If the Grand Jury is prepared to present for the amount required, the Government on their side would be willing to assist by making a loan repayable in a term of years, and the Engineer of the Board of Works would make the necessary report and estimate, under the provisions of the Act 16 and 17 Vict. cap. 136.
§ MR. VESEY KNOX (Londonderry)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider the matter during the recess.
§ MR. HANBURYI will certainly consider it.
§ MR. M'CARTANasked whether the Authorities upon the spot were agreed that the ruin of the pier was due to its faulty construction by the Irish Board of Works.
§ MR. HANBURYThat I do not know, but I will make inquiries into the matter.