§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Trade why the survey fee for a passenger-carrying boat operated by Mr. W. Shiel of Seahouses, Northumberland, has increased from £191 to £250 in the current year.
§ Mr. SproatThe figures quoted are not strictly comparable. In 1981–82 the fee for a renewal survey on a class VI passenger ship was fixed at £191. From 1 April 1982, as in the case of most survey fees, the charge will be determined by the amount of time, including travelling time, required to complete the work, assessed at an hourly rate of £33.35 up to a maximum fee of £250. The fee for the survey of Mr. Shiel's ship may not therefore amount to £250; if the maximum fee is payable, it will reflect the fact that the costs involved will be equal to or exceed that figure.