§ MR. NORWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether the increase of five per cent. recently made in Light Dues on Shipping was rendered necessary by a falling off of receipts below the amount required for the maintenance of the service; and, if that be not the case, to inquire the purpose to which this increased revenue will be applied?
§ Sir CHARLES ADDERLEYThe recent increase of 5 per cent in the light dues has been rendered necessary by a falling off of receipts below the amount required for the maintenance of the service. The reserve fund, which in April, 1874, was £250,000, had in April, 1876, fallen to £60,000. There is also an increased expenditure going on in supplying fog signals at several light stations.