§ Mr. J. SWEETMAN (Wicklow, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a serious breach has been made in the pier of Wicklow Harbour during recent gales; whether he is aware that an expenditure of several thousand pounds is absolutely necessary to save the harbour and present the total loss of some £40,000 already spent on the harbour by the locality; and whether, seeing that the locality is unable of itself to advance any more money, Her Majesty's Government will propose a grant from the public funds for this harbour, which is a harbour of refuge for coasting vessels as well as being of great benefit to the locality?
§ Sir J. HIBBERTIt is true that damage was done by recent gales to the pier in Wicklow Harbour, which for some time past has shown signs of weakness. Considerable expenditure will in all probability be required to place the harbour in a satisfactory condition. The Harbour Commissioners have had plans prepared for the purpose and are in communication with the Board of Works on the subject, but the question of the provision of money for executing the needful work is not yet ripe for arrangement. I cannot, however, admit that the locality is unable to advance any more money, especially as the negotiations have proceeded on the opposite basis.