§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the river and port pilot manning requirements and costs in the United Kingdom and on the continent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinPilot manning levels and costs in the United Kingdom are matters for the competent harbour authorities. I understand however that since the implementation of the Pilotage Act 1987 on 1 October 1988 pilotage charges have in general been held steady, with reductions being achieved in some cases. As regards manning, there were 1,225 licensed pilots immediately before the implementation of the 1987 Act and 229 pilots have since been made surplus.
The Department holds no up-to-date information regarding pilot manning levels or costs on the continent.