§ MR. A. M. SULLIVANasked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether, considering that the cost of telegraphing from London has been assigned as the reason against free transmission and publication of the meteorological reports and forecasts to the ports and fishing stations throughout the Kingdom, he will direct that the useful important information in question be promptly and freely made public in London, so that all who may desire to use it or telegraph it throughout the Kingdom may do so'? He might add that the Chamber of Agriculture was desirous of having the information telegraphed to inland stations with a view to harvest prospects.
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHSir, I have to state in answer to the Question of the hon. and learned Member, that the information to which his Question refers is already, to a great extent, made public in London. The forecasts are prepared at 11 a.m. at the Meteorological Office. Forecasts are also prepared at 2.30 p.m. They are sent out by special messengers and posted at stations free of charge. Among other places, at both Houses of Parliament, Lloyd's Rooms, and the Mansion House, Cornhill, New Bond Street, and other prominent positions. In addition 1120 to the above forecasts, a watch is kept from 8.30 to 9 p.m., and whenever the Office thinks it necessary storm warnings and special forecasts are telegraphed to 133 stations. I may state that, if considered desirable, the forecasts made at 11 o'clock might be made more generally public.
§ MR. A. M. SULLIVANWill the noble Lord kindly say whether there is any objection to publish the 8 o'clock evening forecasts free?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHThat would make a difference of £1,000 in the cost, and I do not think it necessary to propose a Supplementary Estimate to meet that charge.
§ MR. A. M. SULLIVANIn consequence of the answer of the noble Lord, I beg to give Notice that I will call attention to the large grant made already upon the subject, and the small amount that would be required to make the observations infinitely more useful.