§ Sir Julian RidsdaleI beg to move amendment No. 51, in page 14, line 14, leave out 'a ship or'.
The ChairmanWith this it will be convenient to take the following amendments: No. 52, in page 14, line 16, leave out 'a ship or'.
No. 53, in page 14, line 21, at end insert
'and the authority, in determining whether or not to make a direction under paragraph (b) above in respect of ships of any description, shall have regard in particular to their size and the nature of the cargoes they carry or may carry'.
§ Sir Julian RidsdaleThese amendments seek to ensure that any direction given by a competent harbour authority with regard to movements within its harbour must take account of the size of the ship to which a direction applies and the nature of its cargo. That will place an obligation on CHAs to give weight to safety consideration when issuing directions which allow an unauthorised pilot to take charge of a vessel when shifting within the port.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThese amendments are unnecessary. The provisions of the Bill already allow for CHAs to make the necessary directions only in respect of some ships if they wish. The term "ship of a specified description" is wide enough to allow them to consider the size of ship and the nature of its cargo. That meets the anxiety behind my hon. Friend's amendment, so we would ask him to withdraw it.
§ Sir Julian RidsdaleI beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Clause 17 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Clauses 18 to 23 ordered to stand part of the Bill.