§ 72. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why his Department has required payment of£92.40 instead of£15.40 previously per half year for a passenger certificate for "Gaiety", a craft of 22 tons, and 144 passenger capacity, plying on the River Avon in smooth waters in daylight, except when the river is in flood, from Evesham to Fladbury; whether he is raising charges by 500 per cent. generally in this trade; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe increase results from a revision of the Department's marine survey fees on 1st May. These fees, which previously were intended to recover 50 per cent. of the cost of providing the surveys but were failing to do so, have been increased so as to recover the full cost in accordance with Government policy. On average they have risen by 330 per cent. but the actual increase varies for different classes of survey.