§ MR. C. MCARTHUR (Liverpool, Exchange)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will state how the provisions of section 2, sub-section (5), of the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act, 1898, permitting the use of electrical communications with lighthouses for private messages at reasonable charges are to be made operative; and whether it is intended to issue a scale of charges for the transmission of such messages; and, if so, when the publication of the scale may be looked for?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)As the honourable Member is aware, electrical communication with light stations can only be made available for private messages, so far as they may be compatible with the efficiency and safety of the lighthouse service. This involves many considerations and communication with other departments. The matter is receiving careful attention, but I am unable to give any particulars at present.