48.—(1) Except in so far as may be agreed between the Council and the government department or person concerned or as may be specifically laid down by statute, nothing in any enactment authorising the Council to levy charges shall extend to authorise it to levy charges on–
(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)troops landed at the harbour premises or a person employed by the Secretary of State for Defence while in the execution of his duty;
(d)goods or stores belonging to the Secretary of State for Defence.
(2) Officers of the Department for Transport and of the Scottish Executive 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 merely passes through the limits of the harbour without mooring or making use of any facilities provided by the Council.