HC Deb 21 July 1899 vol 74 c1542
LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (York)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will postpone for a short time the question of filling up the vacancy caused by the death of Captain Jones, the harbour master at Ramsgate, so as to afford an opportunity of proposals being submitted to the Board of Trade for dealing with the whole question of the future arrangements of Ramsgate harbour.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. RITCHIE,) Croydon

Whatever may be the future in store for Ramsgate harbour, a harbour master will be necessary, and as it is very undesirable that this post should remain vacant for any lengthened period I propose to make the appointment without delay.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

Has my right hon. friend considered as an alternative the desirability of making an interim arrangement for the duties of the post to be carried out, pending the settlement of the whole question as to the future?

MR. RITCHIE

I feel bound to get the best man I can, and I do not think it desirable to delay filling the office.