§ MR. LEAasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether the works in connection with the proposed improvements of Tory Island Lighthouse, and the establishment thereat of gas instead of oil as the illuminant, have yet been taken in hand, and why they were not commenced in the spring of this year, in accordance with the expectation stated in reply to a question on the 15th August 1881; and, whether the delay is still attributable to the want of strength in the Engineering Department of the 1982 Board of Irish Lights; and, if so, what steps have been taken to remedy this defect?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINI am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the pressure of work caused by the gales of November last has hitherto prevented the carrying out of the proposed improvements of Tory Island Lighthouse. During those gales some 43 lighthouse stations sustained damage, which required immediate attention, and the destruction of the Calf Rock Lighthouse rendered necessary the erection of a temporary light on Dursey Head with as little delay as possible. These works have now so far progressed that the Commissioners inform me that they purpose instructing their engineer to enter forthwith upon the question of the improvement of Tory Island Light.