§ 2.41 p.m.
§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to change current pilotage regulations.
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthMy Lords, successive Administrations in recent years have envisaged such changes. My right honourable friend is now giving most careful consideration to new policy initiatives and he hopes to be able to make a Statement before long.
§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Can he assure me that there is no danger of there being an increase in the cost of pilotage off British shores within the next few years?
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthMy Lords, I do not think I can give my noble friend Lord Gainford a total assurance. However, some two years ago, in August 1981, my noble friend Lord Trefgarne said that he hoped that any change would not reflect further expense upon the shipping industry. I am quite sure that that would be our policy today.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the House will be encouraged to know that there is to be an early Statement by the Government on this important issue? Is he further aware that pilots around the coast—certainly in Wales and the Merseyside area—are deeply concerned that there should be some early Statement by the Government? Could he give the House an indication when the Statement will in fact be made? Will it be within the next month, or will it take longer than that?
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The short answer is that a Statement will probably be made next year. Some very delicate negotiations with the pilots, the pilots' association and other interested parties are currently in hand, and they are taking some little while to resolve. I would not expect my honourable friend to make a Statement until well into next year.