HC Deb 13 March 1928 vol 214 cc1691-2
4. Sir ROBERT THOMAS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the whole cost of the lighthouse service is borne by shipowners, he will take steps to place the administration of this service upon a new basis, with a view to giving them an effective voice in its control?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Certain questions connected with the administration of the lighthouse service are being discussed with representatives of shipowners, and it would be desirable to await the outcome of those discussions before any statement is made on general policy.

Sir R. THOMAS

Will the hon. Member say when the results are likely to be made known?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I am afraid that I can give no indication at the moment.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Members have been informed many times that these discussions have taken place, but that as yet we have never heard with what result?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Discussions are actually taking place at this moment.

Sir R. THOMAS

My point is that they have been taking place for years and that we have been promised replies; but have not had them.

Mr. WILLIAMS

I think it is the case that representations have been made for many years. It is only in recent years that they have reached the discussion stage.

Sir R. THOMAS

I am glad to hear that a reformation has taken place since the hon. Member joined the Board of Trade.

Mr. KELLY

May I ask with whom negotiations are taking place and whether those employed in the lighthouse service are being consulted?

Mr. WILLIAMS

At the moment, the negotiations are between the representatives of the shipowners and those who have to administer the lighthouse services.

6. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to undertake a review of the whole lighthouse and lightship service with a view to determining what lights have ceased to be of sufficient use to warrant their retention; and whether he will then consider abolishing such lights and devoting the funds so saved to increasing the efficiency of the lighthouse service elsewhere?

Mr. WILLIAMS

I understand that the three general lighthouse authorities have constantly under consideration the question whether certain lights need be retained for the protection of shipping, but I am prepared to arrange for an investigation in the case of any particular lights which are regarded as superfluous if a sufficient body of prima facie evidence in support of this view is supplied to me.

Mr. KELLY

May I ask whether this matter has been under consideration by the Joint Industrial Council for the lighthouse service?

Mr. WILLIAMS

The question as to what lights have ceased to be of sufficient use does not seem to me to be a matter for the Joint Industrial Council.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will the hon. Member see that certain selfish shipowners do not secure the abolition of certain lights now badly needed by the smaller inshore craft?