§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to petitions for increase of salary presented to the general lighthouse authorities in Great Britain and Ireland some eighteen months ago by the light-keepers in their respective services; and, if not, can he state the 1104 cause of the delay that has occurred, in view of the promise made that the petitions should be considered.
§ MR. CHURCHILLI understand that last year petitions were presented to the general lighthouse authorities by the light-keepers in their respective services, and that about a year ago the petitioners were informed that it was inopportune to go into the matter pending the Report of the Royal Commission on Lighthouse Administration. I am informed that, the Royal Commission having now reported, the three general lighthouse authorities are considering the applications and propose to confer together at an early date on the subject.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs there any reason to hope they will receive favourable consideration?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI have no special reason to justify me in forecasting the result of the consideration.