Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to proposals from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on older UK passenger boats, what discussions he has had with the (a) Mayor of London and (b) Minister for London on the loss of competition and choice on the tidal River Thames.

Ministers have regular meetings with the Mayor of London and the Minister for London to discuss a range of matters.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is in communication with the Competition and Markets Authority to ensure the effect of the proposals for harmonising safety standards on older and newer passenger vessels is acceptable from the perspective of competition and choice.