§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was raised in light dues in the latest available year; and what his estimate is of the amount paid(a) per merchant ship per voyage and (b) by each fishing vessel (i) per voyage and (ii) per year. [98409]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe total income from light dues for 2001–02 was £74,785,262 of which £696,566 was paid by fishing vessels and tugs.
Light dues rates for merchant vessels in 2001–02 were levied at 0.41p per registered ton. Fishing vessels and tugs paid an annual rate of £202.00 for the first 10 metres and £21.00 for each metre of length in excess of 10 metres.
The rates were reduced in April 2002 to £0.40p per registered ton for merchant vessels and a cap of 40,000 tons was introduced, making the maximum charge payable £16,000 per voyage, to reduce the burden of light dues falling on the largest vessels. The rates for fishing vessels and tugs were also reduced to an annual payment of £190.00 for the first 10 metres and £20.00 for each metre thereafter.
Once amerchant vessel has paid light dues, there is no further liability for a period of one month from that date. Furthermore, no more than seven payments are required in any fiscal year. We therefore do not hold information on merchant vessel movements beyond the seven voyage limit. Neither do we hold records on fishing vessel or tug activity.