MR. J. WYNFORD PHILIPPS (Pembroke)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that during a recent gale seven small vessels were stranded in Fishguard Bay; whether the lifeboat which rescued the crews was obliged, owing to the recent closing of Goodwick Quay, to run in on the beach through huge breakers at great peril; and whether the Board of Trade will take any steps to secure the provision of a safe landing place for the lifeboat?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEI regret that it is a fact that seven small vessels were recently stranded in Fishguard Bay. The lifeboat was, I understand, obliged to run in on the beach, but I am not aware that this was owing to the closing of Goodwick Quay. The Fishguard and Rosslare Railway Company are bound by their special Act to provide access for the lifeboat to the satisfaction of the Committee of the Lifeboat Institution. The Board of Trade have called upon the Company to keep the head of Goodwick Quay open for boats generally, and to construct a slipway which will shelter the Quay and also be available for the lifeboat.