HC Deb 09 September 1893 vol 17 cc753-4
SIR M. HICKS-BEACH (Bristol, W.)

I desire to ask the Secretary to the Treasury a question upon the Supplementary Estimate circulated this morning. On the Board of Trade Vote on the previous night the question of telegraphic communication with lighthouses and lightships was discussed, and it was understood that a Supplementary Estimate would be taken for that purpose. I find that Supplementary Estimate proposed to be taken is for £10,000, which, it appears, is to be added to the grant towards the Mercantile Marine Fund. Of course that may be only a matter of form, but I hope it is not to be taken as an indication that the Government consider the cost of the telegraphic communication ought, in any case, to be a charge upon the Mercantile Marine Fund. That was not my intention, and I hope it will not be done, except, of course, where the communication is desired for Board of Trade purposes?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) Oldham

The Supplementary Estimate was put in the form in which it now appears for convenience of discussion. The £10,000 will be kept entirely separate from the Mercantile Marine Fund.

SIR M. HICKS-BEACH

It has really nothing whatever to do with that Fund.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

That is so. The Mercantile Marine Fund will not bear one farthing of the expense of the telegraphic communication. The Board of Trade intend to execute the work by degrees, and the Treasury will supply the money, for which the Board will account.

MR. HANBURY (Preston)

If the Board of Trade is going to carry out this work, why not make it a Board of Trade Vote? I shall object to the Vote on that score.

SIR J. GORST (Cambridge University)

Who will account for the expenditure of the Vote?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

The Board of Trade.

MR. HANBURY

Then why not put it on their Vote?

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

I hope we shall get proper time to consider this Vote before the House rises.

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

It is proposed that the Supplementary Estimates will be taken the same time as the Votes, which is the invariable practice.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Is there not a deficiency in the Mercantile Marine Vote this year, and is this Estimate intended to meet it?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

Certainly not.