§ Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
§ Mr. KershawClause 5 gives power to the Board of Trade, under whose guardianship the lighthouses are, to transfer to the Bahamas the nine lighthouses in its care. It empowers the Secretary of State to make a financial agreement about that. No expense falls upon our Exchequer.
The General Lighthouse Fund is raised by dues levied on vessels using United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland ports. As these lighthouses are essentially of use to passing shipping rather than to shipping using the ports of the Bahamas, the Bahamas have not hitherto made any contribution. Of course, after independence responsibility will fall upon the Bahamas and they will have to take them over. It has been thought right in the first years to make a contribution towards the expenses, and the clause enables the Board of Trade to do that.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Clause 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.