§ Mr. M'GHEE (South, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasure, with reference to the present state of Donaghadee Harbour, whether he has yet made inquiry as to the rate per day chargeable by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners for the use of their bucket dredger, which removes about 12,000 tons of dredging per week from Belfast Harbour, and has to carry the same about seven miles to sea; whether he is aware that this work is done at a cost of about £100 a week: whether any other, and, if so, how much, has been made to the Commissioners by the Board of Works for the use of this dredger at Donaghadee; whether, considering the failure of the dredger sent from Kingstown by the Board of Works, he will advise that some effort be made to secure the services of such a dredger as is capable of doing the work required: and, whether he will state if any and what offer was made to the Belfast and County Down Railway Company on condition of their taking over charge of this harbour.
§ MR. ANSTRUTHER (for Mr. HANBURY)Inquiries made in October last showed that the only dredger possessed by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners which was available for hire was entirely unsuited to the economical removal of the material at Donaghadee. The answer to the second and third paragraphs is in the negative. It is not proposed to take any further steps at present with regard to dredging, since, from information received in October last, it appears that the harbour is sufficiently safe for the boats frequenting it. Under existing circumstances the deepening of the harbour would not increase its safety, or its trade, or the length of berthage used to any appreciable extent. In 1896 the Belfast and County Down Railway Company, who have a branch line to Donaghadee, were offered a sum of £1,000 to cover expenses of dredging, on condition that they should take over the harbour under legislation enabling them to levy tolls. The company, after consideration, declined the offer.