§ 130. Mrs. RUNGEasked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons for exempting vessels of a certain class from the need for carrying British pilots in the Thames; whether, in the case of Dutch lighters, such exemption is due to reasons applicable to all such vessels or those possessing a special character; whether all such permitted exemptions are reciprocal in the case of nations whose ships benefit thereby; and, if not, what is the reason for differentiation of treatment?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe exceptions under the Pilotage Act, 1913, from compulsory pilotage in the London Pilotage District of vessels which are under 50 tons gross or are employed in coasting or home trade and are under 3,500 tons gross apply to all vessels, British and foreign. The main reason for the exceptions was doubtless 1700 familiarity with the waters. I understand that in most foreign countries there are no exceptions from compulsory pilotage, but under the Pilotage Act there is no power to discriminate between British and foreign ships.