HL Deb 16 January 1997 vol 577 cc37-8WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Marine Safety Agency fees are to be increased.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

Some of the Marine Safety Agency's fees will change on 1st February 1997. The most significant change is an increase in the hourly rate for merchant ship and fishing vessel surveys from £45 to £60. This increase is required to comply with our aim of full cost recovery for services provided by the Government. We believe the new fee is still competitive when compared with private sector rates for similar work, and this is the first significant increase for some years.