HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1449-50W
Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is informed when pilot services are offered to vessels about to navigate United Kingdom waters. [139917]

Mr. Jamieson

The Department is not informed when pilot services are offered to vessels about to navigate United Kingdom waters.

Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rules govern pilotage in United Kingdom waters. [139918]

Mr. Jamieson

Pilotage in United Kingdom waters is governed by the Pilotage Act 1987. The Act places a duty on Competent Harbour Authorities to keep under consideration whether any, and if so what, pilotage services need to be provided to secure the safety of ships navigating in or in the approaches to its harbour. Ships navigating in UK waters outside the jurisdiction of a competent harbour authority are not subject to pilotage.

Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what liaison took place between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and their French counterparts concerning the route taken by the US ships(a) Canister and (b) Caloosahatchee through the English Channel. [139998]

Mr. Jamieson

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency agreed the passage plan for these ships in consultation with the French maritime authorities, who were kept up to date throughout the ships' transit.