§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)On behalf of the hon. Member for South Down, I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to the erection of the new lighthouse at Blackhead, county Antrim, whether he is aware of the danger involved in delaying to secure from the tenants arid occupiers possession of the lands upon which it is proposed to construct the lighthouse there; whether, considering the increasing value of land in the vicinity of Whitehead, which is adjacent to the place, a fair and liberal offer will be made to the tenants for their interest in the holdings required; and if he can say about what date the work is likely to be commenced.
§ MR. RITCHIEAs stated by me on 2nd June, in reply to the hon. Member for Gateshead, a site has been obtained for the new lighthouse on the Blackhead. I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the site can he entered upon at once. The Board of Trade have no power to make any suggestion as regards the amount to be paid to the tenants, which, in case of disagreement, will be determined by arbitration in manner provided by statute. I understand that tenders for the buildings will be invited very shortly, but I have no information as to the date upon which the work is likely to he actually commenced.