HL Deb 03 February 1997 vol 577 cc135-6WA
Lord Swinfen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many ships whose Masters did not have a pilotage exemption certificate were allowed to sail through the compulsory pilotage area from the Port of London in 1996; who authorised their sailing; and why this was allowed.

Viscount Goschen

The Pilotage Act 1987 places responsibility for these matters upon the Port of London Authority, as the Competent Harbour Authority. It is for the authority to determine in what circumstances pilotage shall be compulsory, and to award pilotage exemption certificates. I understand that they will be writing to my noble friend with further details.