§ MR. MILLERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he intends to take measures to avert the imminent danger to Edinburgh, Leith, and neighbourhood, arising from the shipment of gunpowder at Newhaven Pier, and from the transmission of it from the manufactory to the pier, as now carried on, and as brought out in the Report of Major Majendie to the Government; and, if so, whether he is prepared to state what the measures are?
MR. BRUCEMajor Majendie's Report, which was very full and elaborate, was received at the Home Office on the 26th of May, and forwarded to the Leith Harbour Commissioners on the:30th. The Report contained several recommendations for the purpose of diminishing the risk now incurred both in the conveyance of powder and its shipment. 1412 These are now under the consideration of the Commissioners. With respect to any danger which may arise from the conveyance of gunpowder in disregard of the provisions of the Gunpowder Act, it is the duty of the local authorities, not of the Secretary of State to take the necessary steps for enforcing the law.