§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the cost of pilotage for a 50,000-tonne vessel in the port of Hull compared with Hamburg, Antwerp and Rouen.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe pilotage costs for one vessel of 50,000 GRT entering Hull are £1,978. My Department does not have available the rates of pilotage charges for Hamburg, Antwerp or Rouen.
§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that the proposed alterations in pilotage will lead to savings without reducing the safety of navigation.
§ Mr. David MitchellI believe that placing the responsibility for pilotage on harbour authorities is the best means of achieving this objective and of ensuring the provision of an efficient and cost-effective pilotage service to meet the requirements of safety.