§ Sir M. MACNAGHTENasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the lighthouses formerly under the control of the Commissioners of Irish Lights have been, or are about to be, transferred to the Irish Free State; and whether the employés of the said Commissioners are public officials under Clause 10 of the Instrument dated the 6th December, 1921?
Mr. THOMASHis Majesty's Government are still in correspondence with the Government of the Irish Free State in regard to the transfer of administration of lighthouse services in the area of the Free State. In this correspondence the position of the staff has not been over-looked. I regret that I am unable at present to give a more definite reply.