Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from the Scottish Guild of Pilots about proposals permitting foreign vessels to enter United Kingdom coastal areas without the services of a qualified pilot; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWe have recently received a representation from the Scottish Guild of Pilots on a number of points concerning the Government's proposals to reform the present administration of marine pilotage. Under present legislation pilotage exemption certificates, permitting vessels to navigate in an area of compulsory pilotage without the services of a licensed pilot, may be granted only to EC nationals and only in respect of vessels registered under the law of an EC Member State. Under the proposals for new legislation which we intend to bring forward as soon as possible, these restrictions, for which there is no justification in terms of safety of navigation, will be removed. However it will of course remain necessary for applicants for certificates to satisfy the issuing authority that their skill, experience and local knowledge are such that they can safely navigate in the area concerned.