HC Deb 15 February 1887 vol 310 cc1551-2
ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether the subjoined reply from his Department to the Deputy Coroner at Eastbourne, respecting the "rider" of the jury present at the inquest on four sailors drowned at the wreck of the Tally Ho, because, in their opinion, no life - saving rocket apparatus was available, really embodies the views of the President of the Board of Trade and his own— Board of Trade (Marine Department), London, S.W., 31st January, 1887.—'Life-saving Apparatus.'—Sir,—With reference to the inquest recently held by you on the bodies of the four seamen, part of the crew of the Tally Ho, wrecked near the Redoubt, at Eastbourne, when the jury expressed an opinion that the lives would have been saved had there been a life-saving apparatus at Eastbourne, I am directed by the Board of Trade to state that they have caused careful inquiries to be made, and are advised that probably no life would have been lost had the crew known how to make use of the lines, of which there were plenty at hand; and that the rocket apparatus would have been of no assistance on the occasion, as the vessel was not more than 10 or 15 yards from the shore. The Board desire me to add that the rocket apparatus station at Eastbourne was abolished in December, 1878, because no services had been rendered by it during a period of 30 years; and they are advised that the probability of the usefulness of the rocket apparatus at Eastbourne is not sufficient to warrant the expenditure which the re-establishment of the station would entail.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Thomas Gray.—E. Hillman, Esq., Deputy Coroner for Sussex, Lewes. And, whether, in consequence of such lamentable loss of life within easy reach of the shore, he will at once give instructions to supply the usual rocket apparatus for future use when required, seeing that there is an excellent Coastguard Force at Eastbourne to take charge of the same, and that such appliances are generally to be found at all coast towns?

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

The letter referred to was written with the authority of the Board of Trade, and they see no reason to depart from its tenour; but if the hon. Member will confer with us, possibly an arrangement may be come to in concert with the Admiralty and Local Authorities.