§ Mr. Randallasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he had with representatives of the fishing industry about the new Government measure to introduce light dues for the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what estimates he has made of the cost to the British fishing industry of the Government's proposals for extending light dues to that industry; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what length fishing vessels will be affected by the Government's proposals for introducing light dues for the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWe will be putting proposals to representatives of the industry shortly. The Government will make an announcement in due course.
§ Mr. Randallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the impact of the Government's increases in light dues on the port of Hull; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe total amount of light dues that may be collected in a port over 12 months depends upon so many unpredictable factors that no estimates can usefully be made of the local effects of proposed changes in the dues tariff. But if the shipping traffic in Hull in 1987–88 is identical in all respects with that of 1986–87, and if the other variables are identical in both years, the total increase in light dues collected will be 13.85 per cent., that is the increase in the dues tariff.