§ MR. A. M. SULLIVANasked the Secretary to the Treasury, If he can state any reason why the weather forecasts and observations procured at the public expense by the Meteorological Department, considering their great usefulness in the protection of life and property in the fishery and coasting trade, should not be freely available for posting at the coast guard stations or other suitable places at the principal ports and fishing harbours around our coasts?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHThe reason why the weather forecasts and observations of the Meteorological Department are not communicated to stations round the coast, as proposed by the hon. and learned Member, is that the expense of transmitting them would be large, while the grant at the disposal of the Meteorological Council is limited, and would not bear the expense without curtailing operations connected with observation. It is calculated that the cost of each receiving station could not be taken at less than £20 a-year, and the number of principal ports and fishing harbours round our coast is very considerable.
§ MR. A. M. SULLIVANasked if there would be any objection to supply the information in London to persons who were willing to telegraph it free to these stations?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHsaid, he would like to consult the Department on the point.