§ MR. CHARLES M'ARTHUR () Liverpool, ExchangeI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to give effect to Clause 2 (5) of the Mercantile Marine Fund Act, 1898, which provides that, in so far as may be compatible with the efficiency and safety of the lighthouse service, telegraphic communications with lighthouses shall be available for private messages at reasonable charges; and, if such is the intention, when he will be in a position to state the terms and conditions upon which these facilities will be granted.
§ MR. RITCHIEThe question how far electrical communication with lights houses may be made available for private messages is one of the points which have been referred to an Inter-Departmental Committee, who are dealing with the whole subject of communications between lighthouses or light vessels on the shore. Until I have received the report of that committee I shall not be in a position to-give the information asked for by the hon. Member.