§ MR. GOURLEYasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, If he can inform the House the total amount of money contributed by the seamen of the Mercantile Marino to the Greenwich Hospital Fund, and also the amount returned in the shape of grants and pensions; if not, if he will cause a Return to be made of all sums levied and paid compulsorily to the Fund, and also showing how the same has been appropriated?
§ MR. T. BRASSEYIt would be impracticable to give a complete account of the sums contributed to Greenwich Hospital from 1696 to 1834. The total amount was under £2,000,000. The assessment was made on the broad ground of the protection afforded to shipping. Merchant seamen, as such, derived no direct benefits from Greenwich Hospital; but they joined the Navy in large numbers. Although no claim is recognized, annuities of £3 8s. are now granted, under certain conditions, to all seamen who contributed 6d. a-month for five years previous to 1835. They receive an ample equivalent for former contributions. The total cost of these annuities is estimated at £200,000. papers giving full information on the subject will shortly be presented.