§ 12. Brigadier - General Sir OWEN THOMASasked the Minister of Transport what was the total revenue of the Thames Conservancy for 1920 and the cost of administration; and what is the percentage of the increased cost of licences granted by the Conservancy this year to owners of pleasure-boats let on hire as compared to the cost of similar licences granted in 1919?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)The information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member in the first part of the question will be found in the accounts of the Thames Conservators issued as House of Commons Paper 105 (1921). The cost of licences for pleasure boats let on hire, other than launches or house boats, has been increased from a nominal fee of 2s. 6d. for a period of 3 years to 10s. 6d. per annum or 30s. for 3 years. The Rates Advisory Committee last year held a public enquiry into the charges payable on the Thames Navigation Undertaking, and in their opinion the increase was necessary in order that this class of boat may contribute fairly to the cost of the maintenance of the river for their enjoyment.