§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the proper number of pilots required in the Southampton and Isle of Wight district.
§ Mr. RidleyIt is not for me to make such estimates. The most recent returns available for the Pilotage commission show a "proper or agreed number" of 56.46 on 31 December 1984 for the Isle of Wight pilotage district, which includes Southampton.
326W
§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the proper number of pilots required in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. RidleyThe number of pilots required is at present a matter for the pilotage authorities. Following the proposed reorganisation of pilotage, the numbers required will be for the harbour authorities to decide in the light of decisions on future pilotage requirements. It is not for me to make estimates of commercial demand.
327W
§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the publication of a White Paper on marine pilotage.
§ Mr. RidleyIt is too early to say whether there should be a White Paper before I bring forward new legislative proposals.