HC Deb 01 March 1901 vol 90 cc204-5
MR. FIELD

I beg to Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that several harbour boards, including Dublin and Belfast, have frequently and publicly expressed their disapproval of the constitution and the working of the Irish Lights Commission; and whether, in view of those facts, the Government will consider the advisability of re-forming and reconstituting the Irish Lights Board.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Yes, Sir; such representations have from time to time been made. As I have already informed the hon. Member, His Majesty's Government do not, as at present advised, contemplate the introduction of a, Bill dealing with the constitution of the Irish Lights Board.

MR. FIELD

In view of the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask why legislation is delayed when everyone interested is anxious that the Board should be re-formed?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I cannot do that in answer to a question.