§ MR. FITZWILLIAM DICKsaid, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether his attention has been directed to the great necessity that exists for a Harbour of Refuge on the Eastern Coast of Ireland, particularly between Wicklow and Waterford, where of late years, for want of which, so many vessels have been lost; and whether it is the intention of the Government to take any steps in the matter next year?
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE,in reply, said, the Question was one which more properly belonged to the Department of the Board of Trade than to that of the Secretary for Ireland. The matter was one of great importance, as there was no doubt that a considerable number of wrecks had taken place on the Eastern Coast of Ireland; but, so far as he was aware, it had never been suggested that a harbour of refuge was required on that portion of the coast to which his hon. Friend referred. He believed the wrecks were occasioned by the vessels running on the Arklow and other banks, and it was more important to warn vessels off the coast than to give them facilities for going near the coast. At the present moment an inquiry was being made as to the lighting of those banks, and he thought it possible that some arrangement would be made between the Trinity House and the Board of Trade for some improvement in the lighting of that coast. It was not in contemplation 1762 to take any steps for constructing a harbour of refuge.