HC Deb 22 July 1898 vol 62 cc837-8
MR. COX (Edinburgh, S.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the reasons which have induced the Board of Trade to authorise the erection of a lighthouse at or near Dunbar contrary to the nautical and shipowning opinion of the district, the proposal to erect such a light having been condemned by the Trinity Brethren in 1884 as likely to lead vessels into a position of danger; whether such shipwrecks and loss of life as have occurred on the Haddingtonshire coast were due to storms, and were not such as could have been prevented by a light at or near Dunbar; what are the reasons which have induced the Board of Trade to begin to erect the light at or near Dunbar, instead of proceeding with the light on the Bass Rock, seeing that both lights have been sanctioned, and that the opinion is strongly held by the shipowners of the district that the Bass Rock light and syren are urgently wanted; and whether the Government will take into consideration the necessity for bringing in a Bill to amend the constitution of the Lighthouse Boards, so that the shipping interests who pay for and who use the lights shall be represented on these Boards?

MR. HANBURY

The Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses are the authority responsible for the lighting of the Haddingtonshire coast, and the Board of Trade were advised that they would not be justified in refusing their sanction to the erection of a light at Barnes Ness. The shipwrecks on the Haddingtonshire coast during the recent years have been primarily due to storms, but whether they could or could not have been prevented by a light at or near Dunbar is a question involving many considerations. The funds available being insufficient to admit of both the lights mentioned being begun this year, the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses decided, in the first instance, to proceed with the erection of that on Barnes Ness. As the honourable Member is aware, an opportunity has been offered to those who object to the light to represent their reasons at an interview with the Board of Trade. Of this offer my right honourable Friend regrets that they have not been able to avail themselves. There is no intention to propose legislation with regard to the constitution of the Lighthouse Boards.