§ MR. MORROGH (Cork, S.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if it has been brought to his notice that complaints have been made by ships' captains as to the danger to their vessels when entering or leaving Cork Harbour, during the Artillery target practice from Forts Camden and Carlisle; whether he is aware that on Friday, 19th instant, during the existence of a dense fog, the usual Artillery firing from Fort Camden was carried on; and if it is the usage on such occasions to substitute blank for ball cartridge; and, if so, what measures are adopted to convey such information to vessels leaving or entering the harbour?
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEThe only complaint of which I am aware came from the owner of a yacht some four years ago. It was satisfactorily settled. On the 19th the Limerick City Artillery fired blank cartridge from Camden Fort. The fact that blank cartridge was to be fired would not be specially notified, as no master of a ship would suppose that ball would be fired during a fog.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)I have myself seen instances in recent years where danger has been incurred.
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEIf the facts of any such occurrence are brought to my notice they will be inquired into.
§ DR. TANNERI will raise the question on the Army Estimates.