§ 19. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many ports he owns, or owns shares in, in the Northern region.
§ Mr. EyreNone, Sir. Two ports in Cumbria, Barrow and Silloth, are owned by the British Transport Docks Board, a nationalised industry for which my right hon. Friend is responsible.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursIs the Minister aware that Maryport harbour in my constituency, which is publicly owned and has lain fallow for 30 years, could be a good object of capital investment as it is in a community that is desperate for work? Will he consider such investment?
§ Mr. EyreThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that the ownership of that trust port is vested in the harbour commissioners as the statutory harbour authority and owners. I understand that the Maryport Steamship Company intends to provide a permanent exhibition of historic vessels in that harbour and that a grant is being obtained from the tourist board. I hope that that proposal will be helpful.
§ Mr. Colvinrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I remind the hon. Gentleman that the question relates to ports in the Northern region and that a supplementary question must be on that subject.
§ Mr. ColvinWill my hon. Friend bring the House up to date with plans for the disposal of the British Transport Docks Board? If he has no plans, are discussions in train to formulate some?
§ Mr. EyreThe British Transport Docks Board is continuing with its responsibilities to prepare for privatisation.