§ MR. M. MCCARTAN (Down, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to the buoy at present on Briggs Reef, in Belfast Lough, whether, considering that two vessels were lost there within the last two years during fogs, he will inquire whether bell buoys might be placed instead of the buoys now in use; whether there are any bell buoys at present unused in Donaghadee, within a short distance; and, if the wreck of the sunken steamer Emily, the danger of which the managers of the Groomsport lifeboat have frequently called attention to, has yet been removed?
§ MR. RITCHIEI have made inquiry of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Statutory General Lighthouse Authority for Ireland, with regard to the suggestion contained in the first part of the hon. Member's Question, and am informed that the Commissioners are prepared to consider the question of the substitution of a bell buoy for the buoy at present marking Brigg's Reef. They have not, however, at present in their possession any unused bell buoys that would be available for the purpose. I am further informed that the wreck of the steamer Emily has not yet been removed.