§ MR. SEYMOUR ORMSBY-GORE (Lincolnshire, Gainsborough)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the cost of lighting any foreign coasts or harbours is defrayed by Great Britain; if so, what department or body incurs this expenditure; what is the total sum expended on foreign lighthouses by this country; and what are the various places where these lights are.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)The lighthouse on Cape Spartel, Morocco, is the only one answering my hon. friend's description. That light is maintained by means of contributions from twelve Powers, of whom Great Britain is one (in accordance with a Convention entered into in 1885), the management being in the hands of an International Commission. The share of this country, which last year amounted to 1,500 fcs., is, in accordance with Section 2 (3) of the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act, 1898, paid out of the General Lighthouse Fund, which is administered by the Board of Trade.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESIs the fund by which this lighting is maintained provided solely by British shipping?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIn part. There are also contributions from the Lighthouse Fund and other sources.