HC Deb 09 September 1909 vol 10 cc1485-6
Captain CRAIG

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state if, during the recent conference at Trinity House specially convened for the purpose of considering the subject of lighting the coast off Strangford Bar, the Commissioners, of Irish Lights advocated a lightship being moored off Ballyquinton Point AS the best means of marking that part of the coast; and whether he can say why the Commissioners were not permitted to -carry out their wishes, and under what Statute it is necessary for the Irish Lights Commissioners to obtain the acquiescence of Trinity House in such matters?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand that at the Conference at Trinity House the Commissioners of Irish Lights advocated the establishment of a lightship in Dundrum Bay, and that the Trinity House stated that they were not prepared to give their statutory approval to the proposal, which they considered unnecessary. The proposal was then withdrawn from the discussion. The requirement that the Commissioners shall submit any scheme for the exercise of lighthouse powers to the Trinity House, who shall make a report stating their approval or rejection of the scheme with or without modification, is contained in Section 640 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.

Captain CRAIG

Are the Irish Lights Commissioners not in a far better position to judge of the necessity of a light than the Trinity House Brethren?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I should not like to enter into an examination of the relative professional attainments of these two bodies; but the Trinity House Brethren are exercising a statutory duty. If an appeal were lodged by the Irish Lights Commissioners, then certainly the President of the Board of Trade would have to give a decision between the parties. I do not think any appeal is likely to be lodged.

Captain CRAIG

Have the Irish Lights Commissioners not been established for the purpose of considering what lights are necessary around the Irish coast?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am not responsible for the state of the law, which, undoubtedly gives, I believe, in the public interest, the Trinity House Brethren the authority they possess.

Captain CRAIG

Is Trinity House a branch of the Treasury?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir; it is an ancient and well-known Order.

Mr. JOYCE

May I ask whether the same applies to the North Lights Commissioners for Scottish waters?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.