Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to which European Economic Community countries levy light dues on fishing vessels.
§ Mr. GummerComparison with practices elsewhere in the European Community is not appropriate. Following the transfer of the cost of the Racal Decca navigator system to the general lighthouse fund, the Government decided that larger fishing vessels should make a contribution to the fund. Under these arrangements, fishing vessel owners are better off because the fishing vessel light dues are generally less than the hire charge made under the previous system.