§ MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has seen the report of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners' meeting on 16th instant, giving the statement of the chairman, Sir James Musgrave, that he, as a member of the Irish Lights Board, had brought outside opinions before that board urging that a lightship should be placed at the Maiden Rocks; whether, as this would entail delay and cost in construction and up-keep above the already arranged and promised improvements, he will direct the improvements 1332 now decided upon to be carried out without further loss of time, in view of the fact that, owing to the speed and size of steamers passing these rocks, a loss may happen at any time during a fog.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, Sir; I have seen a report of the meeting of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners referred to in the hon. Member's question. The Board of Trade have given their sanction to the improvement of the Maiden Lights, and I have no doubt that the work will be proceeded with without any unnecessary delay.