The need to record the departure dates of vessels for collection purposes will be removed, as will the exemption from payment of light dues for vessels calling at a port in ballast. These changes are expected to simplify the collection process.

Announcing the cut in light dues, UK Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman said, 'The Government remains committed to the present system of recovering costs but is determined to minimise the cost burden on the shipping industry.

The rate per ton has fallen repeatedly since its 1993 peak of 43 pence.

The reduction I am announcing today means a further fall of 10.2%.

'This is a remarkable achievement during a period of major capital investment by the General Lighthouse Authorities and against a background of general inflation.

I pay full credit to the Authorities for their commitment to an efficient and cost effective service providing aids to navigation.

'The strong performance of the underlying General Lighthouse Fund in the past year makes a cut on this scale possible. The cut returns to light dues payers the benefit of growth in the Fund for as long as this proves possible.'

MJ Information No: 21739