§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the proposal of the competent harbour authority in Belfast to move the boarding and landing station from its present location to a position in the main navigation channel; and if he will take steps to ensure that the competent harbour authority consults all interested parties before any action is taken.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have received no representations on this matter. Following implementation of the Pilotage Act 1987, the location of boarding and landing stations, and the extent to which there should be consultation on the matter, will be for the competent harbour authority to decide, subject only, where boarding and landing requirements are to be contained in a pilotage direction concerning compulsory pilotage, to the statutory obligation on the authority to consult shipowners and any other local harbour operators before giving such a direction.