§ MR. GERALD LODER (Brighton)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the remaining piles and stumps of the Old Chain Pier at Brighton are a serious cause of danger to pleasure boats and fishing smacks; and whether he can take steps to have them removed without delay?
§ MR. RITCHIEI am aware that the piles and stumps of the Old Chain Pier at Brighton have not been removed, and that they may become a cause of danger to shore navigation. The removal of this Pier is provided for by the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier Acts, 1888, 1893, and 1896, the effect of which is to impose the duty upon the Pier Company of removing the piles and materials within 12 months after notice in writing from the Brighton Corporation, and further to empower the Board of Trade to remove them if the Company abandon the removal after it has been commenced. I have 716 been in communication with the Company as to their statutory duties, and have been informed by them that they have entered into a contract for the removal of the remaining piles and stumps, which will be effected as soon as the weather permits. The attention of the company has been directed to the requirements of the Act as to providing buoys and lights, under the direction of the Trinity House, to obviate danger to navigation.