§ Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on light dues. [19540]
§ Sir George YoungI am pleased to announce that light dues for 1997–98 will be reduced by about 4.6 per cent. from 43p to 41p net ton with consequential reductions to other changes. This reduction, coming after four years of stability, takes rates back to below those established in 1992. It is a clear demonstration of the increasing efficiency of the three general lighthouse authorities.
I am announcing changes to the light dues regulations which are designed to simplify some aspects of collection and will remove the liability to pay light dues in certain cases. I shall be consulting the industries concerned on other possible changes in the distribution of light dues.