§ LORD PORTMANhaving presented a Petition of Inhabitants of Lyme Regis that steps may be taken for the formation of such a Breakwater as will render the Port of Lyme Regis a safe and efficient Harbour:—
§ LORD RAVENSWORTHasked the noble Duke at the head of the Admiralty whether he was aware of any intention on the part of Her Majesty's Government to carry out without further delay the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Harbours of Refuge? The recent storm had caused tremendous losses in the merchant service, and especially on the northeast coast, where the existence of harbours of refuge was most to be desired. He believed he was speaking within bounds when he said that during the late awful gale not less than 300 vessels were wrecked, mainly on the north-east coast of this country. The phenomena of storms were now so well understood that he believed intelligent commanders who were provided with good barometers might become sensible of the approach of a gale in time to make for the nearest harbour of refuge, if such an asylum were provided for them.
§ THE DUKE OF SOMERSETsaid, it was usual to give notice of questions of this kind. As the noble Lord had not taken this course he had not communicated with his Colleagues, and was not prepared to give the noble Lord an answer.