§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will review the charges for the use of Trinity House pilots on ships of 500 tons and less in view of the substantially increased rates that are now proposed for such small ships.
§ Mr. TebbitPilotage charges as such are not my responsibility, but I think my hon. Friend is referring to the draft byelaws recently published by Trinity House which would extend compulsory pilotage in the London pilotage district to smaller vessels than is the case at present. It will fall to me in due course to confirm the byelaws, but first I am seeking the advice of the Pilotage Commission on any amendments it thinks should be made to the draft in the light of the many objections I have received. It would be wrong for me to reach a judgment on the merits of the byelaws until I have that advice.