Expenditure was lower in 1940 because, owing to essential war work in the shipbuilding yards, the building of life-boats had to be greatly curtailed, and only half as much was spent under this heading as in the previous year. In spite of this however, since the outbreak of war, the Institution has been able to send fifteen new motor life-boats to the coast.

The outstanding figure in the expenditure was £65,157 spent in rewards and other payments to the crews and launchers. This is the largest amount ever spent on these rewards in one year..