§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what controls are exercised over merchant vessels in excess of 100 gross registered tonnage proceeding to the Finart oil terminal on the Clyde; what breaches of these controls have occurred in the last five years; with what consequences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyMerchant vessels over 100 gross registered tonnes must take a pilot. Vessels must obey speed restrictions and the instructions of the Queen's harbour master during the passage through the royal dockyard port of Gareloch and Loch Long, and keep outside the protected area off the Royal Naval armament depot, Coulport. There have been no breaches of these requirements in the last five years. Within the area of jurisdiction of the Clyde port authority, vessels are subject to any byelaws or directions to shipping made by that authority, to which any questions about breaches should be addressed.