§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet communi- 1414 cated with the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners in regard to the necessity for a beacon on Sgixda Rock, near Port of Ness, Island of Lewis; and, if not, will he communicate with the Commissioners on the subject.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonAs stated in my reply to the hon. Member on May 19th, the question of erecting a beacon on Sgixda Rock is one, in the first instance, for the consideration of the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners, as the Board of Trade have no power to initiate. In these circumstances, I have not thought it desirable to make any suggestion to the Commissioners on the subject.
§ MR. WEIRMay I ask if it is not the fact that the Northern Lights Commissioners are under the control of the Board of Trade?
§ MR. RITCHIEThe responsibility rests with the Commissioners, and I cannot do anything to interfere with it.