HC Deb 21 April 1887 vol 313 cc1410-1
MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether gas or electric light is the illuminant of D'Ailly lighthouse; whether the fog signal is sounded by gas, as in the Irish lighthouses of Howth Baily, Poolbeg, and Mew Island, and the Scotch lighthouses of Langness Point and Ailsa Craig, or steam; whether, if the former, it could have been sounded in one minute after the commencement of the fog, as compared with one hour required to get up steam for the latter; and, whether the facility with which gas-sounded fog signals can be put into immediate action is one of the advantages of the gas system of illuminating lighthouses?

THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)

Gas-sounded fog signals can, of course, be put into immediate action; but I would point out to the hon. Member that his Question relates to a lighthouse not under the control of the Board of Trade, but under that of the French Authorities, and that I cannot, therefore, give him any official answer. If, however, the hon. Member will call at the Board of Trade he is welcome to see any information which the Department possesses respecting this lighthouse.