§ MR. T. ELLISI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that between Holyhead and Milford 712 Haven there is no port or harbour of refuge into which a boat drawing eight feet six inches of water can run at all states of the tide; that the absence of such harbour accommodation seriously cripples the success of fishing and trawling on that coast, and occasions serious loss of life every year, he will appoint a Departmental Committee to visit Fishguard, Aberystwith, Aberdovey, Barmouth, St. Tudwell's and other places, to inquire what steps could and should be taken for the further protection of the lives and industry of fishermen and traders along the Welsh coast?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe hon. Member's question appears to have reference chiefly to fishing harbours, and I would refer him to the terms of the Treasury Minute of the 4th of May, 1887, which has been communicated to the House. If the Local Authorities of the districts to which the hon. Member refers could unite in promoting the construction of a harbour at any particular place, their object might be attained by their making an application under the provisions of the Treasury Minute to which I have referred; but I cannot appoint a Departmental Committee for the purpose suggested by the hon. Member, as I think this would hold out hopes which could not be realised.