§ Mr. Harry Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) how many vessels (a) under and (b) in excess of, 1,600 gross registered tons entered the pilotage area of the Forth estuary in 1981;
(2) how many (a) liquified gas carrier vessels and (b) bulk liquid chemical carrying vessels (i) in excess of 300 gross registered tons and (ii) under 300 gross registered tons, entered the pilotage area of the Forth estuary in 1981;
(3) how many vessels carrying cargoes of liquefied gas, chemicals and ammunition entered the pilotage area of the Forth estuary in 1981.
§ Mr. SproatThe information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Harry Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Trade what advice he is taking regarding the question of safety of navigation in the Forth estuary in his consideration of the amendments proposed by the Forth pilotage authority in respect of the issuing of pilotage certificates.
§ Mr. SproatI have sought the advice of the Pilotage Commission.
§ Mr. Harry Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will arrange public hearings in Grangemouth and other towns on the Forth estuary to hear the views of the people in these towns on the question of possible dangers arising from the amendments proposed by the Forth pilotage authority in respect of the issuing of pilotage certificates.
§ Mr. SproatIn the first instance that is a matter for the Pilotage Commission. I will draw the hon. Member's question to its attention.