§ 9. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has sought and obtained from outside bodies on the viability of the Maplin seaport.
§ The Minister for Transport Industries (Mr. John Peyton)The National Ports Council will be consulted when the Port of London Authority puts forward detailed proposals for the seaport.
§ Mr. DouglasWill the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the growing disenchantment with the total project is not clouded by the lack of figures relating to the viability of the seaport project? Will he ensure that figures based on the views of the National Ports Council and some of the likely users of the viability of this seaport are forthcoming before this House debates the matter?
§ Mr. PeytonThe hon. Gentleman is jumping the gun. The Port of London Authority has yet to put forward detailed proposals. When it does, the National Ports Council will have a look at them and will give me its advice.
§ Sir Bernard BraineIs not the seaport an integral part of the larger Maplin project, which involves the provision of an airport as well? That being so, when is Parliament to have an opportunity of discussing the case for the seaport?
§ Mr. PeytonI think that my hon. Friend is also a little in advance of events. The Port of London Authority has not yet put forward proposals so neither I nor the National Ports Council has had an opportunity to consider them.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsWhatever the right hon. Gentleman thinks about the seaport, will he press ahead without delay with the construction of the airport?
§ Mr. PeytonI understand the hon. Gentleman's views.
§ Mr. OakesAre the Government saying that they have not yet consulted the National Ports Council or any other 185 outside body on the concept of having a port at Maplin without detailed plans being submitted? Did the Government bring before this House a detailed Bill establishing the Maplin Development Authority without first seeking any advice?
§ Mr. PeytonThere are not yet any detailed proposals for either the National Ports Council or anyone else to consider. When the Port of London Authority is in a position to put forward proposals it will doubtless do so. Such proposals will then be fully considered by the National Ports Council and others.
§ Mr. HastingsSo far from a growing disenchantment, is my right hon. Friend aware that there is growing alarm at any possibility that the construction of the airport, in particular, should not proceed with the utmost speed? Will he say something about the costs and consequences if the Government do not go ahead with Maplin?
§ Mr. PeytonNo, I should very much dislike the idea of taking an opportunity this afternoon of saying any of the things that my hon. Friend would wish.