Scottish Natural Heritage (Rum) Harbour Empowerment Order 1999

Exemptions from charges

31.—(1) Except in so far as may be agreed between Scottish Natural Heritage and the government department or person concerned or as may be specifically laid down by statute, nothing in any enactment authorising Scottish Natural Heritage to levy charges shall extend to authorise them to levy charges in respect of–

(a) a vessel–

(i) belonging to or in the service of Her Majesty or any member of the Royal Family; or

(ii) in the service of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise and not carrying goods for reward; or

(iii) in the service of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses and not carrying goods for reward; or

(iv) belonging to or used by the lifeboat service whilst employed in or in connection with the functions of that service;

(b) the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in respect of a vessel or goods under customs seizure;

(c) goods or stores belonging to the Secretary of State for Defence.

(2) Members of staff of the Scottish Ministers in the execution of their duty shall at all times be exempt from charges in respect of their vessels and otherwise.

(3) This Order shall not extend to subject any person to liability for charges in respect of a vessel which–

(a) merely passes through the limits of the harbour area without mooring or making use of any facilities therein provided by Scottish Natural Heritage; or

(b) is forced by stress of weather to make use of a harbour area but without breaking bulk.