§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what information is available on the value of traffic and the degree of risk associated with navigational aids in United Kingdom waters in accordance with the obligations of the Salas convention 1974; and if he will publish it;
(2) what are his estimates of the number of users of navigational aids in the following categories (a) merchant ships calling at United Kingdom ports, (b) merchant ships not calling at United Kingdom ports, (c) fishing vessels, (d) leisure craft from United Kingdom ports, (e) leisure craft from foreign ports, (f) naval vessels and (g) other vessels; and the amount of financial contribution made by each category.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe need for navigational aids in relation to the volume of traffic and the degree of risk is regularly reviewed by the general lighthouse authorities in consultation with the users and the Department of Transport. Estimates of user numbers by category are not available. In 1990–91, light dues collected in the United Kingdom from merchant shipping calling at United Kingdom ports were about £42 million; from fishing vessels £1.1 million; from tugs £65,000—United Kingdom—and £47,000—foreign; and from pleasure craft £23,000—United Kingdom—and £1,000—foreign. Dues are not collected from ships which do not call at United Kingdom ports. The Ministry of Defence also contributed £1.4 million for use of the Decca service, of which £0.3 million related to 1990–91.