§ 2.54 p.m.
Lord Campbell of CroyMy 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 spread the costs of lights for navigation more widely, so that an inordinate burden does not fall upon the British merchant fleet.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, the Government are aware of the burden these charges impose, both on the shipping industry and on United Kingdom ports, and are giving close consideration to means of reducing it.
Lord Campbell of CroyMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. However, is he aware that the tax in question, light dues, is levied on merchant shipping but not on other categories of vessel which also benefit from these navigational aids, and that some neighbouring countries that compete with our ports and shipping raise the costs of lighthouses from general taxation?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, I am aware of the point my noble friend makes. It is true to say that we are the only Western European country which charges light dues to users rather than the taxpayer. As regards other classes of users, we have looked into the possibility of charging yachtsmen; but we recognise that would be administratively very difficult and would be unlikely to secure a positive benefit. So far as charging fishing vessels is concerned, we are considering that problem at the moment, particularly in regard to the services of the Decca navigation system.
§ Lord Simon of GlaisdaleMy Lords, have not the Government had the report, which they themselves commissioned on this matter, for a year now? Even if there are administrative and political difficulties in implementing some of the recommendations, is not the figure of 14 light due free entries—free passage after that number of entries—grossly anomalous? Should not that anomaly be dealt with right away by substantially raising the figure of 14?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, I must confess that I am not entirely clear on the figure of 14 to which the noble and learned Lord, Lord Simon of Glaisdale, referred. He spoke about the Arthur Anderson Report, which was issued some little time ago. We are looking into this. A further study is under way at the moment. I shall make a statement on it in due course.
§ Lord Lloyd of KilgerranMy Lords, can the Minister help on how long it will be before the matter relating to fishermen will be dealt with and published?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, regarding the payment of light dues when the lighthouse authorities take over the operation of the Decca navigation system, there is an order currently before the House and I believe it will be debated before long.
§ Lord GreenwayMy Lords, will the Minister agree that the burden mentioned in the original Question falls upon foreign flag shipping as our Merchant Navy has dwindled to a shadow of its former self?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, it falls on all shipping which enters our ports, whether they be foreign or British.
Lord Campbell of CroyMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that that means there is a temptation to shipping to go to Rotterdam and other ports nearby rather than to our ports? Also, is he aware that he has not mentioned the Royal Navy or other ships owned by the Government which do not have to pay these dues?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, on my noble friend's first point, yes, we are well aware of the difficulties this causes our ports in comparison with those of our Continental competitors. As far as the Royal Navy is concerned, Parliament decided in 1894 that the Royal Navy should not pay, and that remains the position at the moment.
§ Lord Strathcona and Mount RoyalMy Lords, can the Minister give the House any information as to how these charges compare with the costs of pilotage which we shall discuss later this afternoon?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, light dues, or the provision of lights, currently costs about £60 million in the current year, of which the amount actually paid by users is some £44 million.