HC Deb 16 February 1983 vol 37 cc285-6
10. Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what further applications he has received concerning the proposed container terminal at Falmouth; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Howell

None. The situation is unchanged since the statement by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State on 9 November last.

Mr. Parry

Is the Secretary of State aware of the anxiety of Liverpool and Merseyside dock workers and the Transport and General Workers Union? Is he further aware that if the Government give permission under the Harbours Act 1964, that will mean the end of the Seaforth container terminal? Will the right hon. Gentleman remove the agony by putting the application off, once and for all?

Mr. Howell

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's anxiety, because he and some of his colleagues made it clear when they saw my hon. Friend. As I have said, there is no application before the Government at the moment. The Government have said that they will consider the matter if they are asked to do so. In that event, we should have to take fully into account all the relevant factors, including the impact on the rest of the ports industry and the available trade.