§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what powers he has to offer the Solent Buoyage to competent harbour authorities other than Trinity House. [40371]
§ Mr. SoamesThe Queen's Harbour Master exercises responsibility on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence for the maintenance of all buoyage within the Dockyard port of Portsmouth; to ensure safe mooring and navigation. There are no powers within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 1978 to allow for the transfer of specific responsibilities to other harbour authorities.
Mr. FieldsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Navy to relinquish their responsibility for Solent buoyage. [40370]
§ Mr. SoamesMy Department has no plans to relinquish any of its responsibilities within the area of the dockyard part of Portsmouth.