§ 13. Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received from interested parties regarding the proposed establishment of a Central Pilotage Board.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisRepresentations have been received from all the main interested parties, nearly all strongly supporting the establishment of a Central Pilotage Board.
§ Mr. LuceOn what possible basis can the hon. Gentleman justify the setting up of yet another body to proliferate bureaucracy at a time when there are many admirable and well-established bodies, like Trinity House, which can co-ordinate the pilotage service very well?
§ Mr. DavisThat is the view of a very small minority. In fact, the views which stemmed from the committee which investigated pilotage are supported by the United Kingdom Pilots' Association, the Transport and General Workers' Union, the General Council of British Shipping and the British Ports Association, all of which dissent wholly from the views expressed on this matter by Trinity House. We expect improved efficiency and cost effectiveness as a result of the measures which we should like to see on the statute book as soon as possible.
§ Mr. CostainWill the Minister come down to Folkestone and hear the views of the pilot station there, which thoroughly disagree with what he has just said?
§ Mr. DavisI should be prepared to do that if the hon. Gentleman would be prepared to meet the United Kingdom Pilots' Association, the TGWU and the other organisations to which I referred.