§ Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further consideration has now been given to the level of marine survey and other marine fees, which were increased substantially from 1st May, 1971.
§ Mr. John DaviesThe increases in these fees, ranging from 100 per cent. to 860 per cent., were designed to ensure recovery of the full cost of providing the relevant services. This remains Government policy. In the light of the representations by hon. Members, however, I have decided that the increases should be staged over a period. Fees will accordingly be reduced until 30th April, 1972, to 50 per cent. of their present level and the Department will refund any pay-162W ments made since 1st May, 1971, in excess of the new reduced fees. After 30th April, 1972, fees will return to a level which will enable all costs to be recovered. In the meantime, the Department will be conducting a critical review of the structure of the fees table with a view to making it reflect more accurately the work involved in various types of survey and establishing whether there is scope for reduction in such work.