Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 January 2011.

Towing Vessels

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Attlee on 24 November 2010 (WA 360), why their policy of ceasing the Maritime and Coastguard Agency emergency tender vessel contract and relying on the spot charter market as an alternative is not applied to the remaining general lighthouse authorities fleet.

Answer: The general lighthouse authorities deploy and utilise their fleet daily to meet their statutory requirements under the Merchant Shipping Act. The general lighthouse authorities have entirely different roles and responsibilities from those of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Trinity House has sought the advice of three independent expert maritime consultants, supported by Queen’s Counsel legal advice, all of which showed that the use of the spot chartering market could not be relied upon to deliver its statutory duties.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5808; 724 c207WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Towing Vessels
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Shipping Maritime and Coastguard Agency General Lighthouse Authorities
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk