§ SIR EDWARD GOURLEYI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the statement of Captain Collins of the steamer Channel Queen, recently wrecked with serious loss of life on the Brayes rocks, namely, that for years he had advocated the establishment of a lighthouse and fog signal, but had obtained no satisfaction from the Trinity Brethren, although he had offered at his own expense to build a lighthouse and fog signal station; whether he will at once adopt such steps as are necessary for the safe navigation of the Brayes and other dangerous rocks in that neighbourhood; and whether the Minniquea rocks, claimed by the Island of Jersey, are lit by the French Government with four gas buoys, besides other ordinary ones?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEMy attention has been called to the statement of Captain Collins, but I am informed by the Elder Brethren that they have received no communication on the subject from Captain Collins. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Board of Trade have no power to take the initiative in providing lights, that being the duty of the General or Local Light house Authority. In the present instance, the Trinity House inform me that any light or sea mark in the neighbour- 877 hood of the Brayes would be for local purposes, and their establishment would be a matter for the Local Authority. I understand that the Minniquea rocks are, as stated, lighted by the French Government with four gas buoys.