§ MR. McCARTAN (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to the required pier and harbour works at Newcastle, County Down, whether he is aware of the very poor districts inhabited by small farmers and agricultural labourers running from Newcastle along either side of the Mourne Mountains; and, whether, considering the inability of the inhabitants of the adjoining districts to bear any additional taxation, and the necessity for the harbour works, he will now state whether the Treasury will advance the amount required to construct there such works as the Board of Trade recommend?
§ MR. HANBURYI am afraid that the Government would not be justified in asking Parliament to vote the whole of the large sum necessary for reconstructing the pier at Newcastle. The county authorities who have been so largely responsible for its ruin must assist substantially in the work of restoration; but, so far as I am aware, they are not bound to confine the cost to the neighbouring districts only.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)asked the right hon. Gentleman to give a favourable consideration to the case?
§ MR. HANBURYIn any case, I am afraid the Government would not be justified in asking Parliament to vote the whole of the large sum required for the construction of the pier.