§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the red lights placed on the ends of the piers at Shanklin, Isle of Wight, and Sandown, Isle of Wight, are not plainly visible to ships lying in Sandown Bay owing to the obstruction of the light by a metal frame; and whether, in view of the fact that this bay is often used by steamers in ballast during bad weather and by His Majesty's ships of all sizes, an improved pattern of light may be exhibited at these points in order to allow ships to verify their position when coming to anchor, or at anchor in the bay?
Mr. BUXTONThe lights in question are local lights belonging to the pier companies. I have been in communication with the Trinity House, who have power, with the sanction of the Board of Trade, to direct any variation in the character of any local light, and am informed by them that the lights on the pier at Shanklin were inspected in 1910, and were found to be in good order and adequate for the purpose for which they were sanctioned, namely, to mark the head of the pier as warning lights for the protection of the structure. As regards the light stated to be on the pier-head at Sandown, the Elder Brethren are instituting inquiries with a view to ascertain its character, there being no light shown on the chart, and no application having been made by the pier company for the statutory sanction of the Trinity House to its being established. As regards the suggestion in the latter part of the hon. Member's question, that general navigation would be benefited by the lights being improved, I am informed by the Trinity House that they have not received any representations on this subject.