HC Deb 09 June 1913 vol 53 cc1240-1
18. Mr. INGLEBY

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in consequence of Trinity House shifting the position of the Lynn Well lightship, six vessels struck on the Long Sand in the Lynn Wash and one became a total wreck; whether he is aware that the local fishermen and traders to Lynn and Boston are dissatisfied with the present lighting as rendering the navigation of the Channel dangerous; whether the authorities of these ports have represented to Trinity House that a gas buoy should be placed off the hook of the Long Sand as being requisite for the safety of navigators; and, if so, whether he will use his influence to get this effected?

Mr. BUXTON

I am informed by the Trinity House that they decided to move the Lynn Well lightship in January last, and they understood that the Boston Harbour Trust and the King's Lynn Conservancy concurred in that action, which was calculated to benefit vessels navigating the Wash. Of the casualties referred to by the hon. Member, in only two instances have depositions been made, and in each case the master of the vessel stated that he was unaware that the lightship had been moved, notwithstanding the fact that a notice to mariners on the subject had been issued three and a half months before the alteration was made and widely circulated both in the United Kingdom and abroad. I understand that there is a general agreement among shippers and traders locally that the removal of the lightship to its new position is an advantage, but that representations have been made to the Trinity House as to the necessity for placing a lighted buoy off the hook of the Long Sand. The Trinity House are of opinion that such a buoy is unnecessary, having regard to the position of the Lynn Well light vessel and the Roaring Middle light vessel, and that if a buoy were placed there the cost should be borne by the local authorities.

Mr. INGLEBY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local authorities have since made representations to have the lightship put back, but that they are afraid to have it put back in its old position lest there should be further wrecks, owing to mariners not reading the notices?

Mr. BUXTON

I have given the opinion of Trinity House in regard to the matter. If any fresh facts are elicited, I will give it further consideration.