§ 2. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will introduce legislation to make illegal the practice of shipping companies which retain the services of, and make additional payments to, retained pilots of their own choice.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe system of "choice pilotage" has for long been in operation in many pilotage districts and I have no proposals to introduce such legislation.
§ Mr. RossAdmiralty counsel and other learned lawyers consider that the retained pilot system is an offence under existing legislation. Is the Minister aware that it has been largely abolished by many other countries? The United Kingdom Pilots Association does not consider the practice to be desirable and has made strong recommendations that it should be ended immediately.
§ Mr. DavisThe question of its illegality is a matter which could be tested in the courts by means of a private prosecution. The system in other countries is subject to varying factors within individual countries and I cannot comment further in that respect. There is a difference of opinion among United Kingdom pilots. We are aware of that situation. As for the hon. Member's constituency interest, I am advised that only a minority of pilots are taking an objection.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThat may be true, but is the Minister aware that those objections are widely held among pilots? As the representative of one of the country's largest ports, I know that there are strong objections to the practice among the pilots there.
§ Mr. DavisI can only repeat that a minority interest has made these objections. The information before my Department does not suggest that the practice is objected to by the majority.