§ MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN (Tyrone, S.)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether any decision has yet been come to with respect to the memorial for increase of pay, &c. of the lightkeepers of the Irish coasts, which was presented about a year ago, with a recommendation from the Commissioners of Irish Lights; and, if so, whether he can announce what steps will be taken to put the Irish on an equal footing with English light-keepers; and, when the long-deferred increases of salary may be expected to come into operation?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD (Mr. C. T. D. ACLAND) (Cornwall, Launceston)(who replied) said: It was in January last, and not about a year ago, that the Commissioners of Irish lights forwarded to the Board of Trade for statutory declaration a proposal for certain increased allowances being paid to the lightkeepers in their service. The whole information necessary to enable the Board to come to a decision on this proposal has not yet been forwarded by the Commissioners, and they have been asked to supply it.