§ MR. GLENDINNING (Antrim, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the Portrush Harbour Company have made application to the Irish Government for a loan of £5,000 to enable them to carry out the necessary works at the harbour for the accommodation of the passenger traffic from Ardrossan to Portrush; that the harbour has been kept open for many years for the public convenience by the directors of the company personally guaranteeing loans for dredging purposes; that the Glasgow and Londonderry Steamship Company are prepared to put on a fast passenger steamer, capable of doing the double trip in one day, if the harbour accommodation is made suitable; and having regard to the advantage to Portrush and the North of Ireland of the passenger traffic from Scotland, if the Government will facilitate the company in obtaining the loan.
§ (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Portrush Harbour Company have applied to the Irish Government for assistance in obtaining a loan of £6,000 to pay off existing liabilities and effect improvements upon the harbour. I believe there is good reason to expect that a much better steamboat service with a Scotch port will be provided if an adequate improvement of the pier is made. The Irish Government are at present in communication with the Public Works Loan Board with the object, if possible, of aiding the harbour company in their efforts to obtain a loan, the object being one which they deem desirable in the interests of Portrush and the neighbourhood.