§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will detail the findings of Arthur Young McLelland Moores and Co. on a review of lighthouse services in the United Kingdom with particular reference to light dues for foreign-going steamers.
§ Mr. David MitchellI expect to receive this report early in May I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had on the issue of light dues for foreign-going steamers who call less than four times each year at a United Kingdom port.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have received representations on a variety of light dues matters, but I am not aware of any in these terms.
§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will amend the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 1983 and seek to amend the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Act 1898 with a view to reducing charges of foreign-trade steamers.
§ Mr. David MitchellI am concerned at the burden that light dues imposes on shipping in both the home and foreign trades. I cannot promise an early change in these complex regulations but I will understand that the Arthur Young McLelland Moores report will recommend a major review of the structure of light dues, and I will take the matter forward as quickly as possible in the light of that.