HC Deb 11 December 1911 vol 32 cc1893-4
Mr. LYNCH

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the Ennistymon Rural District Council condemning the action of the Board of Works in allowing the works at Lisconnor Harbour, West Clare, to remain unfinished, so that numbers of workmen have in consequence been thrown out of employment; and whether he can state what steps will be taken to complete the works necessary to render the harbour serviceable?

Mr. BIRRELL

The resolution of the district council appears to be founded on a misapprehension of the facts, which were stated in my reply to the hon. Member's question of the 9th November. Owing to recent silting, which does not interfere with the navigation, the harbour bottom is now at least as safe as it would be if further expenditure were incurred in rock-cutting. The physical conditions of the harbour are such that unless a very large expenditure were incurred no substantial improvement in its present condition can be made.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to incur that larger expenditure which is necessary and which would be very salutary?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have no doubt that it would be salutary, but the doubt is whether I should be able to find the money.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

Could it not be dealt with by the Development Commissioners?

Mr. BIRRELL

The people interested in it have only to bring it before the Development Commissioners.

Mr. W. REDMOND

Is it possible for the people of the locality to make their case before the Development Commissioners? I ask that because I understood that it was necessary that it should go through some third party.

Mr. BIRRELL

I believe that it is usual for some Department of the Government to bring it forward. Unless it is brought forward they will not undertake it themselves.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter personally, when I am sure he will agree that it is deserving of consideration?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have been to this harbour, and I am quite satisfied that this is an exceedingly hard case, but that it would cost from £30,000 to £40,000 to undertake the work which the hon. Gentleman has in mind.

Mr. LYNCH

£5,000.