§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in consequence of the "Maori" and other disasters taking place on the coast of Cape Colony, the Government can bring pressure to bear on the Cape Colony authorities for the better lighting of the coast; if he is aware that the Lighthouse Commission in 1906 recommended that a lighthouse should be erected at Slangkop as an urgent necessity; and if he intends taking action in the matter?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)This question should have been addressed to my hon. and gallant Friend the Under-Secretary for the Colonies. I have seen the Report of the Lighthouse Commission in 1906 to which reference is made, and I understand that, having regard to the number of casualties that have occurred off this coast during the last 30 years, the Board of Trade share the view which was expressed by that Commission that it is desirable that a first-class light should be established at Slangkop. Such a recommendation was made by the Court of Inquiry held at Cape Town in 1905 which investigated the circumstances attending the stranding of the steamship "Clan Monroe" off Slangkop Point. I am informed that the Secretary of State will be ready to convey to the Cape Government any recommendation which the Board of Trade may consider it desirable to make as a result of any inquiry which may take place into the loss of the "Maori."
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I have a copy of that answer, because I have not heard a word of it.
§ Mr. McKENNAIt will be circulated in the usual way.