§ * SIR E. BIRKBECK (Norfolk, E.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the great importance of rendering every facility for the better preservation of life and property round the coast of the United Kingdom, he will be good enough to grant an early opportunity for a Debate on the question of "Coast Communication," in order that the House may be enabled to pronounce an opinion as to the desirability of establishing a complete system of telephonic and telegraphic communication round the coast as well as with certain rock lighthouses and light vessels? I ask this question, notwithstanding the fact that I have been fortunate enough to secure this day four weeks for the discussion of my Motion on the subject.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI hope my hon. Friend will be fortunate enough without any special arrangement to obtain the day he seeks for the discussion of the important question to which he refers, but I am afraid that in the event of my hon. Friend not finding the time by the ordinary methods to bring the subject before the House, it will be impossible for the Government to make any exception in favour of a particular Resolution without involving themselves in difficulties which would make the carrying on of Government Business well nigh impossible. I should be glad, however, if the hon. Baronet would specify more 159 particularly what measures he has in view which he desires to recommend to our notice.
§ * SIR E. BIRKBECKWith the permission of the House I may be allowed to say that what I ask for is: (1) That a complete system of day and night (including Sundays) telephonic and telegraphic communication be provided by Her Majesty's Government round the coast of the United Kingdom in order that every coastguard and signal station be so connected, and that where such stations do not exist the post offices nearest to the lifeboat stations be connected; (2) that certain lighthouses which could probably furnish early and valuable information to lifeboat and rocket apparatus stations be also placed in telephonic and telegraphic communication; (3) that a Royal Commission be appointed to inquire into the desirability of connecting certain light-vessels and rock lighthouses by cable with the mainland in order to give information of vessels in distress.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAs my hon. Friend knows, the Government have hearty sympathy with the object he has in view, and I hope that during the present year the Government may be able to do something material towards carrying it out.
MR. P. O'BRIENDoes the hon. Baronet mean to include Ireland in his proposal; he said, I think, Great Britain?
§ * SIR E. BIRKBECKI said distinctly the United Kingdom.
§ * SIR E. BIRKBECKEngland, Scotland, and Ireland.