In a letter dated 2 March 1818 were the results of an investigation already presented 27 February sent. This select committee on finance was ordered to examine the naval estimates and finances for the period 1817-5 January 1820. It gives an interesting description dealing with the dock yard at Plymouth. This sort of descriptions are quite useful if we want to compare the dock yard facilities available for the European, African and North American navies. (1)
P. 56: “The work going on at the South Jetty at Plymouth Yard, is only the rebuilding a part of the wharf wall which failed some years since, and is not any extension of the Dock Yard. The sum granted for the Breakwater in Plymouth Sound last year, was only £ 40,000; whereas to have carried on these works with advantage, the sum of £ 90,000 was necessary ; in consequence of this small grant, above half the stone vessels were obliged to be laid up, .and many of. the people discharged.
p. 57: “The Board of Admiralty, while visiting the Dock Yard in April last, saw the great disadvantage under which the works were carrying on, and in consequence the additional sum of £ 10,000 was given to the work, which, with £ 10,000 repaid by the Navy Board from another department, made the whole sum expended on the Breakwater last year £ 60,000. By these additional grants the foundation of the Western arm has been got in, from which the .principal shelter to the Sound has been obtained, and likewise one of the most difficult parts of the work overcome, as the water here is from seven to .nine fathoms deep. The sum asked this year will go much farther than any like sum hitherto granted, not only on account of enabling one of the most essential pails of the work to be got above water, but on account of the great reduction which has taken place in the price at which it is performed. When the work was begun, the price paid for the quarrying and conveyance of the .stone to the Breakwater, was 5/7 per ton; this price has been reduced at various periods, and the whole is now done at 3/10 per ton; pushing forward the work at this time is therefore attended with great economy. For want of -money the watering place at Statten Point was suspended entirely. I-hope, if .the grant is confirmed by Parliament this year, it will be again resumed, as it ji.a work that will require much time.”
Source
Parliamentary Papers. Eight report from the select committee on finance. Ordered by The House of Commons, to be printed, 6 March 1818.
Note
1. See on this weblog for instance the notes dealing with the facilities in the United States, Hellevoetsluis in the Netherlands and Antwerp in Belgium.
