§ MR. W. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount of the law costs incurred by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in defence of the action brought against them by Principal Keeper John George Harrison for wrongful dismissal and libel, and what Department sanctioned the payment of the costs in this action, and from what fund was the payment made; and can he state by what Department the payment by the Commissioners of Irish Lights of a sum of money as compensation to John Francis Harris, assistant keeper, for wrongful dismissal and libel, was sanctioned, and from what fund was it paid?
MR. RITCHTEThe Commissioners of Irish Lights, by the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown, paid Mr. Harrison in full discharge of all claims and £80 for costs. The Commissioners had also to pay their own costs and fees of the Jury. The Board of Trade sanctioned the payment of the costs in this action as expenses incurred by the General Lighthouse Authority. In the case of Mr. Harris, payment of £40 compensation and £5 5s, costs was also sanctioned by the Board of Trade.