§ Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGHasked when steps will be taken to have the Churn Rock removed from Ardglass Harbour, county Down, and the harbour properly dredged; and whether the delay in dealing with these matters is productive of great inconvenience and loss to local merchants and shippers?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am advised that the cost of removing the Churn Rock from the harbour would be out of all proportion to the advantages that could result from such removal. The harbour is dredged at regular intervals, and no special dredging is at present required. On the information before me, I am unable to agree that there is any delay in dealing with these matters or that any inconvenience and loss is caused to local merchants and shippers.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor in office admitted in an answer given in this House that great delay and inconvenience was caused, and that he promised this matter would receive consideration?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have made special inquiries at such sources as I have at hand, and that is the information I have received. If there is any other information which the hon. Member can give me I am willing to make further inquiries.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWho reported to the right hon. Gentleman that the blowing up of Churn Rock in the middle of the harbour would cost an enormous amount of money?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI did not say that. What I said was that the cost of removing the rock would be out of proportion to the advantage gained.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIt would only cost a few pounds.