§ MR. CHARLES McARTHURTo ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that on or about the 21st October, 1903, a large quantity of fittings for the construction of the lighting gear of the Fastnet lighthouse was washed off the rock, he will 383 state the condition of the weather at the time the gear was landed from the "Ierne"; whether he is aware that immediately it was landed the "Ierne" left the rock, before the gear had been put into a safe position; and will he state who is responsible for the loss, what was the value of the fittings lost, and how long will the establishment of the new light be delayed in consequence.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the weather was fine and the sea smooth when the gear was landed; that the "Ierne" immediately returned to Crook Haven, the placing of the gear into a safe position being carried out by the workmen on the rock; that the loss was entirely due to the very sudden and unexpected change in the weather; that the cost of replacing the fittings will be about £200; and that it is hoped that, given fine weather, the new light will be exhibited during the ensuing summer.