§ 3. Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received following publication of the Arthur Anderson report on light dues.
§ Mr. RidleyI have received a large number of comments from individuals and from representative bodies. I am most grateful to all concerned for the thought and attention that they have given to the proposals. I am considering the issues carefully and I shall make a further statement in due course.
§ Mr. ColvinIs my right hon. Friend aware that the cost of collecting light dues from sea-going yachts will probably be greater than the revenue raised? Does he know of any EEC country that charges such dues and, if not, will Britain be the odd man out? How will my right hon. Friend overcome the difficulty of defining a sea-going yacht?
§ Mr. RidleyThe cost of administering and enforcing any charge on yachts will depend largely on what measures 5 the Government decide to take. I have not reached any conclusions on that. I appreciate the problem of the definition of a sea-going yacht, but, again, I have not reached any conclusion. I can tell my hon. Friend, however, that the Republic of Ireland and Greece both charge light dues on shipping.