§ 59. Mr. RANKINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that from the beginning of this year all British passenger ships over 5,000 tons have been obliged to be provided with direction-finding wireless apparatus, he can state what steps are to be taken during the present year to improve and increase wireless facilities on British coasts, so as to enable ships to make full use of their facilities in this respect?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThere are at present in operation 24 radio beacons and similar apparatus, 20 of these stations being owned by the three general lighthouse authorities and four by local lighthouse authorities. Sanction has recently been given for the erection by the Trinity House of a radio-beacon at the Nab Tower, and by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses of a similar beacon at Barra Head on the west coast of Scotland. It is anticipated that the erection of both beacons will be completed before 31st March, 1936. A proposal for the erection by the Irish Lights Commissioners of a beacon at Eagle Island off the west coast of Ireland is under consideration.