88. Lieut.-Commander Hutchisonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there are six pilotage authorities in the Firth of Forth exercising a varying degree of control over a staff of 50 pilots; that this arrangement cannot be operated satisfactorily and makes it impracticable to establish a pilots' benefit fund such as exists in every other pilotage district in the United Kingdom; and whether he will order an inquiry into this matter with a view to constituting a single pilotage authority for the Firth of Forth forthwith, pending any future general legislation concerning ports and harbours.
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware of the number of pilotage authorities in the Firth of Forth and also of the difficulties in connection with the benefit fund. I have no specific power to order an Inquiry as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, but I will use my good offices and invite representatives of interested bodies to a conference to see if agreement can be reached for overcoming present difficulties.