§ 11. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of foreign ships entering the Port of London during the year 1931 that dispensed with pilots; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to provide for compulsory pilotage for all ships entering British ports?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am informed by the Trinity House that approximately 3,395 foreign ships, being ships excepted from the requirements of compulsory pilotage in the Thames, entered the river in 1931. It is estimated, however, that 1,200 of these voluntarily employed pilots for that part of the pilotage district between Gravesend and London Bridge. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend cannot undertake, on the information before him, to introduce legislation modifying the provisions of the Pilotage Act, 1913, under which each case for the extension of compulsory pilotage can be decided on its merits after full consideration of the views of all the interests concerned.