§ Mr. M'ARTHURasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had any intention of taking into consideration, with a view to legislation, the complaints of shipping, mercantile, and insurance bodies as to the alleged inefficiency and extravagance of the present lighthouse system, and the desirability of replacing the existing separate boards and authorities by a single Government control of the lighthouses, buoys, and beacons of the United Kingdom?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)A Royal Commission which was appointed to inquire into the existing system of lighthouse management reported in January, 1908, that the charges of inefficiency and extravagance made by shipowners and others had not been sustained by the evidence, and that, while a transfer of the lighthouse administration to a Government Department might carry with it certain advantages, these would be more than counterbalanced by accompanying drawbacks, and that, in existing circumstances, they did not recommend such a course. In view of this expression of opinion I am not prepared to introduce legislation on the subject.
§ Mr. M'ARTHURAm I to take the hon. Gentleman's answer as meaning that it is hopeless to look to the present Government for redress?
Mr. TENNANTThe answer is plain that a Royal Commission was appointed to investigate this matter, and they did not find the charges true. Therefore, no action will be taken.