HC Deb 03 July 1934 vol 291 cc1749-50
26. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what has been the nature of the difficulties encountered in the negotiations with the Government of the Irish Free State with regard to the maintenance of lighthouses, buoys, etc., in Irish Free State waters; when the last conference with regard to this matter took place; and whether it is proposed to reopen the matter with a view to coming to a conclusion at an early date, in view of the long time this matter has been outstanding?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

As was explained on my behalf, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on 14th June in reply to a previous question by my hon. and gallant Friend, the difficulties encountered have been both of a technical and political character, but I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to go into details in reply to a question. As regards the latter parts of his question, the last conference on the subject was held in 1931, but correspondence between the two Governments has since taken place, and is still proceeding.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Is the right hon. Gentleman keeping an accurate note of the cost of maintaining these buoys and lighthouses, so that when the final arrangements have been made the cost of the upkeep can be met by the Irish Free State?

Mr. THOMAS

The cost is secondary in importance to the other questions. I leave it at that.

Mr. MAXTON

As this matter has now been under consideration for 12 years, is it not time that the right hon. Gentleman was bringing it to a conclusion?

Mr. THOMAS

It is a very long period for me to bring anything to a conclusion.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is it not the case that these lighthouses are maintained primarily for the purposes of shipping passing the Irish coast to enter Great Britain ports, and that the cost of these lighthouses is borne by British shipping; and, on balance, is not the present arrangement the best?