Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Corporation of Trinity House had petitioned His Majesty for a supplemental charter; if so, what was the object desired in seeking the supplemental charter; and whether he could lay a copy of it upon the Table of the House?
Mr. BUXTONThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. A supplemental charter is necessary in order to enable a much-needed scheme to be established for the retirement of elder brethren from active duties on the ground of age or infirmity, and the provision of a fund for payment of pensions to such retired members. It would be contrary to precedent to lay the 479W draft of the proposed supplemental charter upon the Table of the House, but a copy of the charter, if granted, will be laid in the ordinary course. Notice that such an application had been made was given in the "London Gazette" of 8th March, together with an intimation that petitions for or against such grant must be sent to the Privy Council Office on or before 22nd March.