HC Deb 31 July 1906 vol 162 cc723-4
MR. MAGVEAGH

I beg to ask the President of the Hoard of Trade whether lie is aware that at the time of the grant to Earl Annesley of a lease of the foreshore at Newcastle, county Down, an undertaking was given by the Department that the Town Commissioners would be consulted before Earl Annesley would be allowed to remove sand or gravel; and whether the Commissioners were consulted with regard to the permission recently given.

MR. KEARLEY

I am aware that the undertaking referred to was given, and it has in the opinion of the Board of Trade been carried out. The undertaking was given on May 13th of last year, and soon after the Board of Trade informed the Town Commissioners that Lord Annesley had applied for permission to remove sand and shingle from the foreshore recently leased to him by the Board of Trade. The town commissioners objected to the removal of sand and shingle from any portion of the foreshore within the limits of the township. They pointed out, however, that the northern portion of the leased foreshore is not within the limits of the township, and in regard to this portion they stated they did not desire to make any representation and sand and gravel could be obtained therefrom. In accordance with this suggestion the Board of Trade gave Lord Annesley permission to remove sand or gravel during a period of twelve months from the shore north of the township. They informed the Town Commissioners of their action and received no objection from them. The Board in reply to a recent application have consented to a further limited quantity being removed, but confined to the same northern area. As the Town Commissioners had stated on the previous occasion that they did not desire to make any representation as to the removal of materials from the northern part of the leased foreshore, the Board did not consider it necessary to communicate any further with them.

MR. MACVKAGH

gave notice of a further Question for Monday.