§ MR. J. W. BARCLAYasked the President of the Board of Trade, What steps have been taken with respect to an application made in 1882 to the Northern Lighthouse Board for the efficient lighting of the west coasts of Orkney and Shetland; whether the Northern Lighthouse Board have made any communication to the Board of Trade on the subject; and, if so, when, and with what result; and, whether, with the object of preventing the loss of vessels and human life, the Board of Trade will take immediate steps to improve the lighting of these coasts?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINA short time since a Report was received from the Northern Lights Commissioners with reference to the new lights which are proposed for Shetland, Fair Isle, and Orkney. The estimates for the work, which amount to £191,843, besides £6,522 per annum for maintenance, were only received on April 15, and the papers have been referred to the Trinity House; but the scheme is so extensive and so costly that it will require very careful consideration and examination, the more so that, in all probability, the expense will, to a great extent, have to be borne by the shipping and other trades, which will derive no benefit from the lights.
§ MR. J. W. BARCLAYasked whether the Trinity House authorities would visit the localities this season, with the view of considering whether these lighthouses could be erected?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINdoubted whether it would be necessary for the Trinity House authorities to make a personal visit. They were well acquainted with the localities; they had all the charts and particulars; and he did not think it would be necessary for them to make a personal visit; but if it was thought necessary, he had no doubt they would do so.
§ MR. J. W. BARCLAYThis season?
§ [No answer.]