HC Deb 18 March 1886 vol 303 c1156
MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

asked the President of the Board of Trade, If, in order to permit lightkeepers off the Irish Coast to attend Divine Service, he will direct that at stations where there are two trips per week ashore one of them shall be on Sanday; that the privilege of keeping a small boat, as enjoyed till November last, for forty years, shall be allowed to lighthouse keepers; and, when he will be able to state what additional stations will be made relieving stations?

THE PRESIDENT (Mr. MUNDELLA) (Sheffield, Brightside)

In fulfilment of the promise I made to the hon. Member the week before last, I have asked the Lighthouse Authorities of England, Scotland, and Ireland for detailed information as to the facilities in their respective services for attending Divine Service, and for the education of children. When I receive this information, the collection of which must necessarily take time, as it will be given in respect of each station, I will consider, in conjunction with the Lighthouse Boards, what can be done with the view to the solution of the question which the hon. Member has raised. The Board of Trade have no direct authority over the Lighthouse Boards, but only exercise a financial control over their expenditure.