§ COLONEL MALCOLM (Argyllshire)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether several complaints have been made to the Board of Trade of shipmasters throwing ballast overboard in the harbour or roadstead of Gigulum Sound, and thereby damaging the anchorage; if so, whether the Board of Trade, in the interest of the public, have taken any steps to prevent the repetition of this offence, seeing that Gigulum Sound is the only shelter for coasting vessels between the Mull of Cantyre and West Loch Tarbert; and, whether it would be possible, by the action of the Procurator Fiscal or other Public Prosecutor, to put the law in force more speedily and effectually?
THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WOIIMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)Since the beginning of the year 1866, four complaints have been received at the Board of Trade of ballast being thrown overboard in Gigulum Roadstead. In the last of these cases the Board have remonstrated with the shipowner, who has cautioned his master, and given an assurance that the offence will not be 295 repeated. In the event of further complaint, the Board will consider if it is not possible to meet the views of my hon. and gallant Friend by communicating with the Lord Advocate.