§ LORD GARLIESsaid, he would beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, Whether it is intended to discontinue the light in Portpatrick Lighthouse; and, if such change be intended, to state the reasons for its discontinuance?
MR. BRIGHTThe noble Lord, I presume, is aware that it is intended on the part of the Treasury and the Government to discontinue the harbour of Portpatrick, and that measures have been taken with that view. What is to be done is not absolutely decided upon, because negotiations are now on foot with the Commissioners of Supply, the local authority of the district, with a view to their taking the harbour under their care if they should think fit to do so. If, however, the harbour should be discontinued, the light will not be maintained, because it is believed that it is of no value to passing ships, and is only useful as long as the harbour is continued. Of course, if it can be shown that it is useful, some arrangement may be made; but at present the information before the Board of Trade is that the harbour will not be necessary in future, and if the harbour be discontinued the light will not be maintained.