Captain CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the date on which the buoy was moored off Ballyquinton Point, county Down, and the number of times it has been taken away by the Irish Light? Commissioners to be repaired?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the buoy was placed there on 15th November last; that it was taken 706 away once for repair; and that on 23rd March the original buoy was replaced by one of another class.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether the buoy has not been unsuccessful, inasmuch as the light always goes out at night?
§ Mr. T. L. CORBETTWill the hon. Member have an inquiry held among the local fishermen and pilots and captains in the district itself as to the value of this buoy?
Mr. TENNANTI do not think the Board of Trade have any power to order such inquiry. If the hon. Member will await the answer to another question he will see the matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. T. L. CORBETTWhat are the powers of the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order. That does not arise on this question.
Captain CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the buoy moored 6½ miles from Ballyquinton Point, county Down, is officially designated Strangford Lough buoy; can he state the reason for such a name being given to it, when it is placed in the fairway of coasting vessels 6½ miles from the bar mouth; and whether, when the buoy was so named, it was the intention of the Irish Lights Commissioners to moor it about 1½ miles from the bar mouth?
Mr. TENNANTI am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that this buoy is officially designated the Fairway buoy off Strangford Lough, and that it was never their intention to moor it 1½ miles from the entrance to the Lough.
Captain CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Irish Lights Commissioners intended originally placing a lighthouse on Ballyquinton Point, co. Down, and, with that object in view, visited the Point, accompanied by some members of the Elder Brethren; and can he state why the scheme was abandoned?
Mr. TENNANTI am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that they never contemplated placing a lighthouse 707 on Ballyquinton Point, and did not accompany the Elder Brethren on their visit to the Point.
Mr. TENNANTI dare say that is quite true, but the point is, the Commissioners of Irish Lights did not.
Captain CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could state the number of communications received recommending the Irish Lights Commissioners to moor the Strangford Bar buoy, co. Down, as far out as 6½ miles from the bar mouth, and give the names of those tendering the recommendation, and also their reasons?
Mr. TENNANTI am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that they did not receive any communications of the nature suggested.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must know the Under-Secretary cannot know that.
Captain CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that local feeling is running high with regard to the spot in which the temporary buoy has been moored off Strangford Bar; and whether he will recommend the Irish Lights Commissioners to remove it to a spot about 1½ mile from the bar mouth, in order to guide not only vessels navigating Strangford Bar, but at the same time to warn coasting vessels of the danger of the insetting tide at that spot?
Mr. TENNANTI am aware that a considerable number of local pilots and 708 masters of coasting-vessels desire that the buoy should be placed nearer the entrance to Strangford Lough. A number of communications received from them by the Board of Trade have been forwarded to the Commissioners of Irish Lights. I understand that the position of the buoy was decided on by a Joint Committee of the Commissioners and the Trinity House after investigation on the spot. The Board of Trade are, however, in communication with the Commissioners as to the desirability of a further conference with the Trinity House.
§ Mr. T. L. CORBETTDo the Irish Lights Commissioners take any notice of communications from the Board of Trade?
Mr. TENNANTThey are under statutory obligations to send to the Board of Trade notice of new works. With regard to old works no sanction is required.
§ Mr. T. L. CORBETTIs this new buoy an old work?