Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his reply on 27 February, Official Report, column 649, who appoints the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
§ Mr. RidleyUnder an Act of the Irish Parliament in 1786, as amended by the Dublin Port Act 1867, there may be up to 21 commissioners. One is the holder for the time being of the office of Lord Mayor of Dublin. Three others are aldermen or councillors of Dublin corporation appointed by that body with tenure for its elected life. The remaining commissioners elect new members to their body, for life, when vacancies occur. The Irish Government have a power of disapprobation of these appointments but none to make them. I have no powers of either sort.
Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is consulted about appointments to the office of Commissioner of Irish Lights.
§ Mr. RidleyNo.
Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many lighthouses are controlled by the Commissioners of Irish Lights; and how many of these are in United Kingdom territory or waters.
§ Mr. RidleyThe commissioners directly control the 87 lighthouses that are vested in them, of which 14 are in or off Northern Ireland.
The commissioners, under section 653 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, may also control any of the lighthouses in or off the island of Ireland that are operated by local lighthouse authorities.