MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state how many applications, memorials, and requests have been made to the Irish Lights Board within the past ten years regarding the better marking of the Maiden Rocks, Larne, and the lighting of the beacon at the western entrance of Castletown, Berehaven and, considering the numerous complaints by mariners and local bodies of the failure of the Irish Lights Board to provide proper warnings for mariners, both on the Maiden Rocks and the western entrance to Castletown, Berehaven, whether he will order a Board of Trade inquiry into the complaints regarding these two places against the Irish Lights Board.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. RITCIE, Croydon)I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that they have received five applications, memorials, or requests in favour of the better marking of the Maiden Rocks. The Board understand that the question has been very fully considered by the Commissioners and by the Trinity House, who are of opinion that the existing arrangements are adequate for the present requirements of navigation. This view is confirmed by the opinion given to the Board of Trade by their nautical adviser. In particular, the Board are advised that the establishment of a fog signal in this locality would be of doubtful expediency. The Board of Trade have also received several memorials with respect to the lighting of the beacon at the western entrance of Castletown, Berehaven. As explained by me on former occasions, it is not thought desirable to encourage vessels to use the western channel, which is narrow and dangerous. I have no intention of ordering an inquiry into the complaints against the Commissioners of Irish Lights with respect to these two places.