§ Mr. O'DOHERTYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty has received any, and what, report from the Hydrographic Department during the last two years with regard to changes in the depth of water of Lough Swilly or any part thereof, or any changes that have taken place therein affecting navigation or otherwise; and, in view of the local and Imperial importance of this lough, what steps, if any, the Admiralty proposes to take to prevent further injury to this lough and to remove accretions therein interfering with its navigation?
§ Mr. McKENNABy a recent survey in 1908–9 the depths in the lough itself do not appear to have altered appreciably since Captain Bedford's survey in 1855. In the upper part of Fahan and Farland Creeks shoaling has occurred in several places of from six to twelve feet, but little shoaling has occurred in Fahan Channel and Drum Gully, which respectively lead to them.
§ Mr. O'DOHERTYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, between the years 1830 and 1860, any reports were received by the Admiralty from Captain 1397W A. G. Bedford or any other persons with reference to the construction of sea embankments and reclamations of portions of Lough Swilly from the sea and their probable effects on the navigation of the lough; whether, in consequence of such report or reports, the Admiralty objected to the passing of the Bills authorising these embankments and reclamation; and, if not, what other action the Admiralty took when these Bills were before Parliament?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no further information on this subject beyond what was stated in reply to a question on the 2nd of this month. Even if Bills did come before the Admiralty at the time referred to all records would probably have been transferred to the Board of Trade under the Harbours Transfer Act of 1862.