§ Sir THOMAS BRAMSDONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that during the last 12 months five vessels have been damaged by colliding with the submerged blocks which form part of the defences of Portsmouth at East Southsea, while many others have narrowly escaped; 1419W if he is aware that the present small opening between the dolphins is quite inadequate to enable sailing vessels to get through against contrary winds and tides, and what is the width between these dolphins; whether he is aware that on occasions of contrary wind and tide coasting craft, are frequently delayed, as they are unable to get round the Horse Sand Fort; and will their lordships make another opening nearer the shore to facilitate the traffic of coasting craft in their passage westwards to Portsmouth Harbour and other places; and is it their intention to minimise the danger of the obstruction in its present condition by placing conspicuous marks to denote the line of its whereabouts when covered by the tide?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt has been brought to the notice of the Admiralty that vessels have collided with the submerged blocks at Portsmouth. The opening between the dolphins is about 100 feet in width. It does not admit of barges beating through against the wind and tide, and these must round the Horse Sand Fort, causing in consequence some delay, but the occasions are rare when this course cannot be followed. It is not proposed to make another opening for the passage of coasting traffic. The position of the obstruction is being inserted on the charts, and attention has been called to it in a notice to mariners. The question of marks on the obstruction is under consideration, but the opening is already marked day and night.