HC Deb 12 May 1873 vol 215 c1785
COLONEL BERESFORD

asked the Surveyor General of Ordnance, Whether, with the view of saving life at sea, steps will be taken, such as those recently adopted by the Lord Mayor of London in Hyde Park, to ascertain the best description of rockets to be used for distress ship signals; and, whether foreigners will be allowed to exhibit their inventions on the occasion of any competition which may take place?

SIR HENRY STORKS

Sir, the Questions asked by the hon. and gallant Gentleman are rather for the consideration of the Board of Trade than the War Department. I can only say that the Board of Trade has been lately in communication with us on the subject, and that at their request we are making for trial both "long lights" and "distress signal rockets." The only object in view being to ascertain the best description of both lights and rockets suitable for distress signals, I have no doubt that the Board of Trade will take every step for this purpose which they may think desirable, and that, in the event of any competition taking place, equal facilities would be given to inventors without regard to nationality.