Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Crown Estate Commissioners have his approval to impose mooring charges in Strangford lough: what the role of the Crown Estate Commissioners will be in his proposals for the future management of Strangford lough; and if he will make a statement on the relationship between the Crown Estate Commissioners and Strangford lough under his proposals in "Strangford Lough—a Consultation Paper."
§ Mr. NeedhamThe Crown Estate does not require the approval of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to impose mooring charges in Strangford lough. As the largest owner of the foreshore and seabed it would seem reasonable that the Crown Estate should be invited to play a role in the proposed management structure for the lough. The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate, however, that at this stage it is much too early for me to give commitments on the operation of the structure.