§ SIR EDWARD WATKIN (Hythe)I beer to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether all arrangements have now been made by Lloyds', with the sanction of the Board of Trade, for connecting Tory Island lighthouse and signal station by submarine cable with the main land of Ireland; and, if so, when this service of safety is likely to be put to work?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHAs the application by Lloyds' to the Board of Trade for a Provisional Order under "Lloyds' Signal Stations Act, 1888," has been withdrawn, there is no need for the sanction of the Board of Trade to the establishment of a signal station on Tory Island. I have, however, communicated with Lloyds' on the subject, who inform me that, after considerable difficulty with the landowner, the conveyance of the requisite land has been completed, and possession will be immediately taken by Lloyds'. The contract for the manufacture and laying of the necessary telegraphic cable will, it is expected, be signed in the course of a few days, and also the contract for the erection of the necessary buildings, and it is believed that the signal station will be in working order within a few weeks, provided that the weather permits of the cable being laid within that time.