HC Deb 30 April 1985 vol 78 cc94-5W
Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department plans to make any contribution towards the redundancy pay for pilots; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Government propose that any scheme to compensate surplus pilots should be financed from within the shipping industry. It is the shipping industry which will benefit directly from the cost savings which will arise from a more cost-effective pilotage system and the Government see no reason why the taxpayer at large should foot the bill.