HC Deb 17 December 1902 vol 116 cc1502-3
MR. CHARLES M' ARTHUR (Liverpool, Exchange)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made during the year in providing electrical communications between lighthouses and the shore; how far these communications, when provided, are available for private messages; if the Departmental Committee appointed in 1900 to consider the above matters has issued its Report; and whether the signal stations at the Fastnet and Tuskar have been completed.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

During the present year electrical communication has been established between two lighthouses and the shore. It has not yet been found possible to arrange for making these communications available for private messages. Further progress will be made with the work during the coming financial year. I understand that the Departmental Committee does not propose to issue any general Report; it makes each recommendation the subject of a special Report. Signal stations at the Fastnet and Tuskar have not yet been completed. The whole matter has been somewhat delayed by the consideration of questions surrounding the development of wireless telegraphy—a subject which is engaging the earnest attention of the Government.