§ Mr. CARLILEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had considered the report of the proceedings of a conference recently held in Bristol by representatives of the seaports of the Bristol Channel on the subject of the present insufficient watching of the coasts; and, if so, what steps he proposed to take in the interests of our mercantile marine and for the better preservation of life and property?
Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had received copies of resolutions passed by a representative conference at Bristol, on the 9th of March last, praying that a Royal Commission may be appointed to consider the watching of our coasts in the interests of the maritime marine; whether he had replied; and, if so, in what terms; and whether he would indicate the line proposed to be taken by the Government on this matter?
Mr. BUXTONAs I informed my hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset on the 16th ult., I have received copies of the resolutions referred to. I am giving the matter careful attention and am taking active steps by local investigation and otherwise to ascertain how far and in what way the existing arrangements for coast watching require strengthening. Until the investigation alluded to is completed I am not able to decide what, if any, further action will ultimately be found necessary in the matter.