§ Mr. Thorntonasked the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions in the last 25 years he has used his powers under section 78 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1906 to grant a dispensation from compulsory pilotage; and what were the circumstances on each occasion.
§ Mr. David Mitchell[pursuant to his reply, 15 November 1984, c. 337]: On one occasion only in respect of Sealink as operator of the MV Stena Nomandica whose officers already hold pilotage certificates for the Milford Haven pilotage district. In my view this dispensation does not give rise to any risk to the safety of the vessel.