HC Deb 19 July 2002 vol 389 cc634-5W
Nick Harvey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the total income from light dues has been in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [70052]

(2) what the total income from light dues, broken down by port, has been in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [70053]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply

The total income from light dues in each of the last 10 years is listed on the attached sheet.

We do not hold information on income, broken down by port but have provided information on income broken down by region, in the last 5 years. The information is not held beyond that period. The income listed to Trinity House is light dues payments made directly to Trinity House Lighthouse Service.

Light Dues Income - Past 10 Years
Year Income(m)
2001–2002 75.204 (Subject to Annual Audit)
2000–2001 71.445
1999–2000 69.261
1998–1999 67.452
1997–1998 62.141
1996–1997 65.550
1995–1996 64.344
1994–1995 64.785
1993–1994 64.307
1992–1993 59.859

Source:

The above figures are taken from the GLF Consolidated Accounts and are for Total Income. (Excluding Irish Government Contribution)

Light Dues Income—By Region
2001–2002 2000–2001 1999–2000 1998–1999 1997–1998
Region North East 5,583,008.09 4,971,195.86 5,471,943.10 5,209,028.28 5,228,123.75
Region Humber 5,877,628.05 6,066,300.48 5,585,431.42 5,693,124.44 5,696,374.21
Region Anglia 21,280,321.03 19,534,780.26 19,238,794.01 19,769,960.81 16,835,640.12
Region South East 18,862,406.94 16,659,886.03 14,878,951.56 13,908,980.07 13,092,694.40
Region South West 6,661,857.53 6,620,724.19 6,406,661.67 6,141,404.97 6,534,428.11
Region North West 3.604,506.58 3,485,748.43 3,422,853.70 3,869,373.05 3,617,378.13
Region Ulster 662,195.49 599,414.51 662,503.18 617,011.16 706,507.01
Region Scotland 8,536,210.39 9,110,457.12 8,929,663.47 8,034,124.92 6,628,360.51
Isle of Man 19,400.57 19,012.13 20,635.93 44,424.38 37,729.06
Trinity House 620,054.57 584,976.03 751,370.04 350,439.58 536,236.96
Region Ireland (C & E) 3,077,673.30 3,416,674.55 3,464,779.82 3,131,480.85 2,816,419.48
Total 74,785,262.54 71,069,169.59 68,833,587.90 66,769,352.51 61,729,891.74

Source:

The figures by Region are for General Light Dues only and does not include income from UK Fishing Vessels and Tugs.

The figures do not include any Light Dues refunds that were made.

The figures for Ireland are shown in £ sterling after conversion.

Nick Harvey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of an abolition of light dues on(a) shipping, (b) port business and (c) tourism; and if he will make a statement. [70051]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

We do not intend to abolish light dues but are considering how the present system could be improved. We have issued a consultation document entitled "Light Dues Review: Meeting the Costs of Marine Aids to Navigation" seeking the views of the maritime industry on the structure of UK light dues. The consultation will consider whether charging can be extended to other users or redistributed among existing payers. We have asked consultees to identify the impact of light dues charges on their business operations.

The consultation period ends on 31 July. In the light of responses received, we shall consider where improvements can be made to the present system and determine the strength of support for change within the industry.

Nick Harvey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average payment made to Treasury was per ship entering British ports, in light dues for each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [70064]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

The information is not held in the form requested.

Nick Harvey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the level of light dues; and if he will make a statement. [70050]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

We have no plans at present to change the current level of light dues. The rates are reviewed annually and set at a level to meet the expenditure requirements of the General Lighthouse Authorities.

The consultation exercise on the Light Dues Review will determine whether improvements are made to the present system and if this will require changes to the regulations and current rates.

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