HC Deb 10 February 1893 vol 8 cc1029-30
MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the danger to shipping, it is intended to erect an improved light at the Old Head of Kinsale; and, if so, whether he will consider the Reports made in favour of the "Wigham Intensity Burner and Giant Lens," now fixed temporarily at Howth Baily Lighthouse?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE, BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

In compliance with an application from the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Trinity House and the Board of Trade sanctioned, in May, 1891, an increase in the power of the light at the Old Head of Kinsale by the substitution of a ten-wick burner for a four-wick burner. On the application of the Commissioners of Irish Lights the Board of Trade sanctioned, in September last, the expenditure asked by the Commissioners for carrying out some experiments to test the "new intensity burner" brought under their notice by Mr. Wigham. No Report on these experiments has yet been received from the Commissioners. The Board of Trade have no power of initiation, and their duty is confined to sanctioning or refusing applications which are submitted by general Lighthouse Authorities.