§ 50. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the British Government are still bearing the expense of the lights on the coast of the Irish Free State; what is the total sum spent in this respect since the establishment of the Irish Free State as a British Dominion; and why, in view of the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, this charge is not borne by the Irish Free State?
§ Mr. LUNNAs explained in the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) on the 19th and 26th Novem- 993 ber by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, the cost of maintaining Irish lights has been met out of the general lighthouse fund, and no contribution has been made from the public funds of this country. The general question of the future administration of the lights is still under consideration.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is an express provision in the annexe to the Irish Treaty that the cost of maintaining lights round the Irish coast would in future be borne by the Irish Free State, and is he aware that some £250,000 a year is being paid in the manner in which he described, which ought to be borne by the Irish Free State under the Treaty?
§ Mr. LUNNI do not think my answer contradicts anything that has been suggested in the supplementary question. What I said was that negotiations are now proceeding on this matter.
§ Mr. KELLYCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication when these negotiations with regard to pensions are likely to terminate?
§ Sir W. DAVISONArising out of the reply—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not asking supplementary questions, but merely giving information.
§ Mr. DIXEYOn a point of Order. I should like to ask for my guidance, and for the guidance of hon. Members opposite, whether hon. Members in this House who very rarely ask questions are ever entitled to have a reply from the Front Bench opposite?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is not a question for me to answer.