§ MR. FLYNNOn behalf of the hon. Member for Dublin, St. Patrick's (Mr. W. FIELD), I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in a letter from the secretary of the Irish Lights Commissioners addressed to the Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry into the Mercantile Marine Fund, it is stated that, their Board has had the advice of three retired Naval Officers and of their Inspector, who is a master mariner of long standing, on all nautical points; whether he can furnish the names of the retired naval officers referred to, stating their rank when on the active list of the Royal Navy; and, whether he can state what grade is the certificate of competency held by their inspector, and what date he was examined for such certificate?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) CroydonI am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the names of the retired naval officers mentioned in the letter referred to in the Question are as follows: Captain the Hon. F. G. Crofton, R.N., Commander Riall, R.N., Mr. Maurice Knight, R.N. Captain Crofton held the rank of Commander, and the other two the rank of Lieutenant when on the active list of the Royal Navy. The Commissioners state that, their Inspector holds a certificate of competency as first mate granted in 1867.