§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Northern Lighthouse Board, instead of inviting tenders 23 for the construction of the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse by means of advertisements in the newspapers, have selected a certain number of firms from whom they have invited tenders; and, whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which this course has caused in the trade affected, will steps be taken to invite tenders by advertisement, in accordance with the practice which obtains in other Government Departments?
§ MR. RITCHIEI am informed by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses that no advertisements for tenders for the construction of the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse were inserted in the newspapers, but that, in accordance with the practice of the Commissioners, tenders were invited from ten firms who could be relied on to undertake the special kind of work required. I see no reason to interfere with the discretion of the Commissioners in such matters.
§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Northern Lighthouse Board propose to employ for the erection of the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse the same firm of engineers who prepared the plans mid superintended the Port Ness Harbour Works?
§ MR. RITCHIEI am informed by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses that they are employing their own engineer, as usual, to carry out the erection of Tiumpan Head Lighthouse.