§ THE DUKE OF SOMERSET, inputting a Question to the Government on the condition of the breakwater in Alderney, stated that he understood the end of the breakwater had been washed away, and had created a dangerous shoal at the mouth of the harbour, on which some vessels had been wrecked. He did not ask the Government to repair the breakwater, or even to remove the shoal; but only to fix a buoy on the shoal, in order to warn vessels of the danger of the navigation.
§ THE EARL OF NORTHBROOK, in reply, said, that in January, 1879, a portion of the breakwater at Alderney gave way. Notice was given at once to mariners as to the danger caused by the breach, and inquiry was made whether 405 a buoy could be placed over the place of danger; but the Report in reply was that the rapidity of the tide and the exposed character of the locality would prevent effective buoying. Two beacon lights were then erected, which were at first supposed to be sufficient; but a complaint had lately been made, and the matter had been referred to the officer commanding the Dasher, with instructions to report as to whether it would not be possible to place buoys in such a position as would warn vessels; but his Report had not yet been received.