§ MAJOR JAMESON (Clare, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade why no answer has yet been given by the Commissioners of Irish Lights to the memorial of the Irish lighthouse keepers, made in February 1895; whether he is aware that the Irish lighthouse keepers are worse paid than those of other nations; and that, under the rules of the Commissioners of Trish Lights, no facilities are given for the secular or religious education of the children of these lighthouse keepers; and whether, under these circumstances, he will order an investigation to be made into the grievances of the Irish lighthouse keepers?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) CroydonThe Commissioners of Irish Lights forwarded the memorial of their light-keepers to the Board of Trade on the 27th March last, with certain recommendations, which, together with those of the Trinity House and the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, are now 888 being considered by the Board of Trade, who are endeavouring to draw up a more or less uniform scheme for the three services. This, however, involves considerable calculation, as well as correspondence with the general lighthouse authorities. I am not aware that the Irish lighthouse keepers are worse paid than those of other nations. With regard to the question of education, I may mention that no fewer than nine isolated lighthouse stations are at present being, or have recently been, converted into "relieving" stations, with dwellings on shore, in order that, among other advantages, increased facilities may be given to the families of light keepers both for educational purposes and for attendance at divine service. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the memorial of the Trish lighthouse keepers is receiving careful consideration.