§ MR. CHARLES McARTHURTo ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Irish Lights steamer "Princess Alexandra" has been condemned; and, if so, what is to be done with her; whether her crew is retained on pay; and if so, what duties are they performing; and what are the number and ratings of those on leave.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the "Princess Alexandra" has been condemned and publicly offered for sale; that her crew continue to receive their regular wages and allowances; that, with the exception of the second officer, who has been granted a month's leave, they are all engaged on active duties, the commander and many of the crew being on board the s.s. "Ierne" which is delivering stores off the north coast of Ireland, while the remainder, with the exception of the second engineer (who is watching the construction and placing of the twin screw engines in the new vessel), are taking down and packing up certain fittings and stores which are to be transferred 384 from the "Princess Alexandra" to the new vessel, after which their services will be utilised as far as possible on board the s.s. "Tearaght" during her coast work, in place of shipping temporary hands.