§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the current system of financing lighthouse services in the United Kingdom; what plans there are to harmonise systems within the European Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy Department has received a wide range of representations about the financing of these services. We have no plans for harmonisation. The Government think that, if feasible, the costs should be met by those who use the services. We propose to extend light dues liability to the larger fishing vessels that are exempt at present. Nearly all pleasure craft are also exempt and many use the services. We think that the costs of recovering dues from them would be disproportionate to the likely revenue.