§ 41. Mr. HOGGEasked the President a the Board of Trade what would be the annual cost of the increases of pay and allowances to the lighthouse-keepers in the service of the general lighthouse authorities which were recommended by those authorities to the Board of Trade in April of this year; and whether, in view of the nature of the work of keepers, the additional work which is being put upon them, as, for example, by the introduction of gas-buoys involving work which would otherwise require to be done by trained mechanics, the slight difference in remuneration of assistant keepers and supernumeraries, and the increased cost of 2641 living, the Board of Trade will reconsider its decision not to increase the pay of these men and deal at once and generously with such servants?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)The cost of the increases recommended by the general lighthouse authorities would be about £2,600 per annum. In coming to their decision the Board of Trade gave consideration to the increased cost of living and other circumstances of the case, as well as to the increase of the wages of these men in 1909.
§ Mr. HOGGEIf this only involves less than £3,000, seeing the nature of the work of these men, will not the Board of Trade reconsider the decision?
§ Mr. BUXTONAlthough the amount involved is under £3,000, the number of men involved is very small. The matter was very carefully considered. I do not say it is a final decision for all time.