§ MR. W. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Puffin lightship was docked at Passage West, Cork, and what dock she was repaired at; whether he is aware that it is stated that the Puffin was not repaired at Passage West; and whether the lightship Stars was docked and repaired at Passage West, and whether her condition after repairing was perfectly seaworthy?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE, Croydon)I should be much obliged if the hon. Member would not put, for I do not think I can properly answer, questions with regard to the Puffin, pending the Inquiry which is being held. The Commissioners of Lights inform me that the lightship Stars was docked and repaired at Passage West in 1895, and her condition was rendered perfectly seaworthy.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the general convenience, he will have the Inquiry held in Queenstown or in Cork; rather than in Dublin?
§ MR. RITCHIEThe inquiry is now going on.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANI understand it has been adjourned until the Puffin is raised.
§ MR. RITCHIENo, no.