Ministerial Statement on the Atkins Report

Mike Penning MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, has made a statement to Parliament about the way forward on the Atkins Report. The full text of the statement is available from Hansard. The Government has endorsed the formation of a joint strategic board with the objective of co-ordinating and directing work between the three general lighthouse authorities. It will be chaired by Chris Bourne, a non-executive director of Trinity House.

In the statement, the Minister says: "I do not therefore intend to change the basis on which light dues are currently charged, although I will continue to work with all interested parties to seek an equitable means of ensuring that all those who benefit from the provision and supervision of marine aids to navigation by the general lighthouse authorities pay towards their provision where it is viable, practicable and economic to do so."

There were 18 responses from organisations and individuals (including CYCC) to the Minister's request for comments.