HC Deb 23 February 1920 vol 125 cc1281-2
14. Captain REDMOND

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the average annuity of the prewar pensioned lighthouse keepers and lightship men in the employment of the general lighthouse authorities, respectively; whether these annuities are paid out of the General Lighthouse Fund; and, if so, from what source is this fund derived?

Sir A. GEDDES

The average annuity was £56 12s. 1d. in the case of light-keepers, and £51 1s. 0d. in the case of lightshipmen. The annuities are paid out of the General Lighthouse Fund, which is derived from light dues levied on shipping under the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Fund) Act, 1898.

15. Captain REDMOND

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the date and amount of the last increase in light dues; and if, in the opinion of the Board of Trade, the time-has now arrived when light dues might be further increased with a view of granting supplementary pensions to pre-war pensioned lighthouse men, who rendered such valuable service during the war, so as to place them on terms of equality with post-war pensioners?

Sir A. GEDDES

Light dues were increased by an Order in Council of the 30th July last, which authorised an increase, as from the 1st January, 1919, of 40s. on the dues specified in the Second Schedule to the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act, 1898. In accordance with the provisions of Section 665 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, pensions can only be granted to the employés of the General Lighthouse Authorities with the sanction of the Board of Trade, on the scales laid down by the various Superannuation Acts for the time being in force in the public Civil Service.

Captain REDMOND

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say the prewar pensioned lighthouse men do not get any increase in their pensions?

Sir A. GEDDES

That, as a general statement, might or might not be right. The answer is that they cannot be raised above the standard laid down in the Superannuation Acts for the time being in force. If they were up to that level before, there is no increase. If they were not, there is.