§ 9. Major NEVEN-SPENCEasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken to give effect to proposals put forward by the general lighthouse authorities upon whom, under Section 640 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, rests the initiative in the provision of lighthouses, buoys and beacons?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANProposals for new lighthouse works are included in the authorities' annual estimates which reach the Board of Trade in the autumn of each year. The reports made by the Trinity House under Section 640 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, on the proposals of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses and the Commissioners of Irish Lights are received at the same time and considered. The proposals are then discussed at a conference, held usually in February, with representatives of the authorities and 227 the committee of shipowners, merchants and underwriters appointed to advise the Board in such matters, after which the decisions of the Board are communicated to the authorities concerned.
§ Major NEVEN-SPENCEHas that committee any legal status?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot say without notice.
§ Captain GUNSTONDoes not my right hon. Friend think it is time for us to bring the lighting of our coast up to the standard of the lighting of the French coast?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI hope that the lighting of our coast is as good as that of the French coast.