LORD MUSKERRYMy Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government whether the Court of Inquiry which, eleven months ago, investigated the circumstances of the loss of the Cape liner "Tantallon Castle" on Robben Island, South Africa, desired to draw the attention of the Government to the urgent necessity of placing fog signals on Robben Island and other dangerous points along the coast; whether such fog signals have now been placed on Robben Island and the other dangerous points referred to; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Government are now prepared to take steps in providing these most necessary safeguards for the protection of British ships and the lives on board of them.
THE EARL OF ONSLOWThe Court of Inquiry into the loss of the "Tantallon Castle "drew attention to the fact that the lighting of Robben Island 606 was not all that could be wished. The attention of the Colonial Government, not of His Majesty's Government, was drawn to the circumstances, and I believe that the Colonial Government are considering the question. At any rate, they have communicated with the Board of Trade and the Trinity House, and both those authorities have given such answers to the Questions as were necessary. I can promise the noble Lord that the attention of Sir W. Hely-Hutchinson, Governor of Cape Colony, shall be called to the matter, and we will ascertain what further steps, if any, are being taken by the Government of that colony, which alone is concerned in the matter.
§ House adjourned at five minutes before Five o'clock, till Tomorrow Two o'clock.