HC Deb 20 December 1938 vol 342 cc2698-9W
Captain Plugge

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all isolated British lighthouses now possess sufficient means of signalling to passing vessels or of communicating with the mainland in the event of serious illness amongst the lighthouse staff; and, if not, whether he will take steps to provide such means?

Mr. Stanley

I am informed by the General Lighthouse Authorities that all the isolated light stations in their services possess sufficient means of signalling to passing vessels or of communicating with the mainland either by wireless telephone or by a system of visual signals.

Captain Plugge

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that for a fortnight the lighthouse keepers at the Longships Lighthouse have been living on hard biscuits owing to relief being overdue; and whether some better system of provisioning over a longer period cannot be devised?

Mr. Stanley

My hon. and gallant Friend is misinformed. During the period referred to the lighthouse keepers at the Longships Lighthouse had ample supplies of tinned meat, milk, vegetables and fruit. Arrangements are made to ensure that all isolated lighthouses have an adequate stock of food against the longest expected period of delay in relief.

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