15. Mr. FOOTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the conditions as to rent and otherwise which the dockyard authorities seek to impose on licensed boatmen in landing passengers at Bovisand Pier, in Plymouth Sound; that these proposed conditions will be detrimental to the boatmen in earning their livelihood and will 361 restrict the enjoyment of Bovisand Beach by the people of Plymouth; and whether he will cause the proposed conditions to be modified?
§ Mr. AMERYIt is only equitable that boatmen and others who use this Admiralty pier for commercial profit should make some payment for the facilities afforded. The terms have not been finally settled, but the hon. Member may rest assured that they will not be unreasonable.
Mr. FOOTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the charge being made at present is £5, which is a very serious burden on small boatmen, who are seeking simply to carry on a boating trade which did exist before the War and before the Admiralty took the land?
§ Mr. AMERYI understand that the charge of £5 is the annual fee for motor boats, which carry a very considerable number of passengers, and that it would work out at about ½d. per passenger.