§ Mr. M'ARTHURasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the receipts of the General Lighthouse Fund for the year ending 31st March, 1909, show an approximate surplus of £31,000 over the expenditure; and, if so, whether, having regard to the fact that the accumulated balance to the credit of the fund is over £500,000, he will authorise a further reduction in the light dues?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Churchill)The reply to the first question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second question, I have already taken steps to reduce the accumulated balance of the General Lighthouse Fund by making a further reduction of 10 per cent. for three years from 1st April last, which makes a total reduction of 30 per cent. below the dues authorised to be levied by the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act, 1898. For the five months ended 31st August, the additional 10 per cent. reduction has caused a reduction in the light dues collected of no less than £32,568 compared with the corresponding period last year. I do not at present see my way to authorise a further reduction.