Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to section 32(1) of the Pilotage Act 1987, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to maintain pilotage standards in areas where harbour authorities now have the power to impose compulsory pilotage upon shipping.

None. The Pilotage Act 1987 already requires Competent Harbour Authorities to keep under consideration what pilotage services need to be provided to secure the safety of ships navigating their waters, including the circumstances in which pilotage should be compulsory, and to provide such pilotage services accordingly.