§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made in their consultations on marine pilotage, and whether they will convene a conference of all interested parties.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)Following general consultation about the proposals contained in the Government's consultative document issued in December 1984, my department continues to consult the various interested parties as necessary on matters which require to be resolved in the preparation of new legislation. I am doubtful of the value at this stage of a conference of all the parties, but the Government are ready to facilitate discussions between the various parties where that would be helpful, and I have agreed to take the chair at a meeting between Trinity House and the British Ports Association at which the implications of the Government's proposals can be discussed.