Note 72 — CHAP. IX.
Reading edition
It seems evident, that the abolition of the perquisite of Chips would be a great improvement, and prove the means of correcting many gross abuses which at present prevail. In this suggestion the Author is supported by the very able and decided evidence of Brigadier-General Bentham, before the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Finance, in 1798. [See the 31st Report of that Committee.] On a supposition that 3000 shipwrights are employed in the several Dock-yards at the wages of 2s. 1d. with the privilege of one bundle of chips each day, which, though not worth more than 6d. to each shipwright, actually costs Government 1s. 6d. because good and valuable timber is often cut down to make these chips.—The following estimate will elucidate what has been stated: and shew the benefits which Government would probably derive from the abolition of this perquisite, even if the wages should be raised, which are perhaps too low at present.
3000 men, working 300 days in a year, entitled to 900,000 bundles of chips at 1s. 6d.£.67,500
Time lost to Government in making up these chips, equal to 6d. per day22,500
Articles purloined and stolen, by being concealed within these bundles, and by women and children, who resort to the yards on pretence of carrying them away, supposed50,000
£.140,000
Deduct 6d. a day additional wages in lieu of the perquisite of chips; which, it is understood, the shipwrights would consider as an ample remuneration22,500
Presumed gain by this arrangement£.117,500