§ SIR ALBERT ROLLIT (Islington, S)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the accumulation of the Lighthouse Fund, a further reduction in the Light Dues may be expected, and, if so, when.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)The hon. Member is no doubt aware that by an Order in Council which came into force on the 1st April, 1903, the dues were reduced by 12½ per cent. In consequence of this abatement the balance on the Fund has been reduced by some £30,000 in the course of 1903–4, and decreases of a substantial amount are anticipated during the next two or three years. Until further experience has been gained of the effect of the existing abatement, I am not in a position to promise a reduction in the dues.
§ MR. AUSTIN TAYLOR (Liverpool, East Toxteth)Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the balance is now?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURAbout £400,000. Of this, however, about £80,000 is already bespoken.