HC Deb 11 November 1882 vol 274 c1632
MR. LEA

asked the President of the Board of Trade, What progress has been made in lighting Tory Island Lighthouse with gas, in accordance with the promise given on July 27th, 1882; and, whether any of the people on the island, now alleged to be suffering from famine, could be employed on the works?

MR. J. HOLMS (for Mr. CHAMBERLAIN)

I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the amended estimates for the works in contemplation at Tory Island have been completed, and, after being submitted to the Commissioners, will be forwarded to the Board of Trade. I can express no opinion as to the possibility of employing the inhabitants of the Island, as the works will, in all probability, be carried out by a contractor—not by the Commissioners themselves—but, under any circumstances, it is a matter which rests with the Commissioners, not with the Board of Trade.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

asked if the hon. Gentleman would undertake that the Irish Office should be communicated with on the subject of employing the people of the Island?

MR. J. HOLMS

was understood to reply in the affirmative.