§ SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Corporation of Newport (Isle of Wight) levy tolls upon shipping in Cowes Harbour north of the Folly public-house; and, if so, could he state what has been the total amount so levied during the last five years; what the total amount expended by the said Corporation over the same period on Cowes Harbour; and what has become of the balance, if any; and under what authority were these tolls levied?
§ MR. RITCHIEI am informed by the Corporation that they have the right to levy harbour and anchorage dues in Cowes harbour, north of the Folly public-house under ancient charters. The total receipts of the Corporation from the harbour for the last five years appear from their letter to be £467 16s., of which the Corporation has expended £371 17s. 9d. in payment of Harbour Master's salary, removal of ashes, repairs to buoys, etc. It is stated that the balance is not more than sufficient to meet the obligations of the Corporation in respect of the harbour.
§ SIR G. BADEN-POWELLUnder what authority?
§ MR. RITCHIEUnder ancient charters, as I informed the hon. Gentleman.