§ Mr. Barry Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consult inshore fishermen and yachting interests before reaching a decision on the recommendation of the report to the Lights Advisory Committee to make the Needles lighthouse redundant.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Lights Advisory Committee has proposed that there should be a review of the traditional navigational aids provided by the lighthouse authorities, with a view to reducing numbers and saving costs. In support of this proposal it has submitted to my noble Friend the Minister with responsibility for aviation and shipping a report which contains an illustrative list of aids which it is suggested arc not needed by commercial ships carrying electronic navigation equipment. The Needles lighthouse is included in that list. The lighthouse is the responsibility of Trinity House, as lighthouse authority for England and Wales, and any question of its closure would be a matter for it. Representatives of the users are always consulted by the lighthouse authority if the withdrawal of a navigational aid is being contemplated.