§ Mr. GOURLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade, If he can state 522 how far the Corporation of the Trinity House have succeeded (as promised about six months ago) in establishing a uniform Code of Buoy age for the Harbours and Coasts under their control, and what measures they have adopted with the view of coming to an arrangement with the Northern Commissioners of Scotland and Ballast Board of Ireland for the purpose of laying down a system for national adoption; and, further, if he has considered how far it is possible to illuminate Coast Buoys at night with some description of artificial light?
§ MR. J. G. TALBOTSir, in the absence of my noble Friend, I will answer the Question. The Trinity House inform the Board of Trade that in the year 1860 they commenced a general system of buoy age, which was gradually applied, and at last completely established throughout the harbours and coasts under their jurisdiction in the year 1870; that the Ballast Board of Ireland agreed to the adoption of this system in 1860; but that the Northern Commissioners of Scotland have not done so. With regard to the second part of the hon. Member's Question, I have pleasure in stating that a project for illuminating buoys with gas has been for some months under consideration, and very interesting experiments are now being made by the Trinity House in the matter. It is hoped that specially constructed buoys will be ready for trial during the ensuing summer.