Mr. Patrick ThomsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the amount of light dues paid by fishing vessels during the year 1987–88; and what was the original estimate.
§ Mr. PortilloI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing) on 16 February at column 285. The general lighthouse authorities have now received some £191,000 in light dues paid for United Kingdom-registered fishing vessels for the financial year 1987–88. A similar sum is estimated to have been received in light dues paid by non-United Kingdom registered fishing vessels, but disproportionate effort would be required to establish a precise figure.