HC Deb 28 February 1905 vol 141 cc1481-3
MR. CHARLES McARTHUR (Liverpool, Exchange)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of boys carried and the amount allowed out of the light dues for their carriage under the boy sailor scheme of the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act, 1898, for each year during which that scheme has been in force; and whether, having regard to the national importance which attaches to the training of boys for the mercantile marine and as a reserve for the Royal Navy, he can state the intentions of the Government in pursuance of that object when the present arrangement expires.

MR. CHARLES McARTHUR

I beg also to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will say what amount was allowed off the light dues in respect of boy sailors for the year which ended March 31st, 1904, and whether this amount has been deducted from £497,240 1s. 5d. shown in the last lighthouse accounts for dues collected; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that the Lighthouse Fund will be increased by this sum after March 31st when the boy-sailor scheme expires, he would reconsider his decision with regard to making a reduction in the light dues.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to answer his two Questions together. I regret that I am unable to state the number of boys actually carried each year under the boy-sailor scheme, as that information can only be ascertained by examining the record of each boy year by year. I shall, however, be happy to furnish my hon. friend with a statement showing the number of boys enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve, and the allowances paid in respect of them. The total number of boys enrolled up to the 24th instant is 4,326, and the allowances paid up to the end of 1903–4, the last year for which the figures are available, amount to £13,653 16s. 2d., the amount paid during 1903–4 being £4,533 10s. 3d. Those allowances are, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, paid out of moneys provided by Parliament, and are not a charge upon the General Lighthouse Fund, so that no increase in that fund will result from the cessation of the allowances. The Board of Trade, in conjunction with the Admiralty, have considered the question of making some other arrangements upon the expiration, on the 31st proximo, of Section 6 of the Act under which the existing scheme was inaugurated; but, as at present advised, I do not propose to take any further steps in the matter.

MR. CHARLES McARTHUR

Is it not provided by Parliament that the abatement shall come out of the light dues?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No, Sir.

MR. CHARLES McARTHUR

May I ask whether any provision has been made to meet the case of the boys already enrolled, and who have entered upon certain obligations? Are they now to lose their employment?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I must ask for notice of that Question.