§ 21. Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will make the new separation schemes in the Channel mandatory for British ships.
§ Mr. NobleI expect the necessary Statutory Instrument to be made this month to come into operation in the late summer.
§ Mr. ReedDoes my right hon. Friend contemplate any further measures of control in Channel waters to help avoid collisions and to provide a safe seaway?
§ Mr. NobleA firm of consultants is investigating the technical feasibility of introducing a Channel navigation service. We expect to receive its report in June. But that is as much as I can say about definite plans now.
§ Mr. MasonWill the right hon. Gentleman also consider extending the pilotage area and defining more clearly what are dangerous cargoes, especially now that there are the super-tankers and other hazardous vessels, and then introducing compulsory pilotage on those vessels?
§ Mr. NobleThese are different questions, but I am very much aware of them, and in due course I hope to be able to help with what the right hon. Gentleman asks.