§ Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Transport if he is now able to announce his decision on the application by the Port of Bristol Authority for his authorisation under Section 9 of the Harbours Act, 1964 to construct the new West Dock.
§ Mr. MarshYes. After carefully considering all the evidence the Government have decided that the case for this development, given its high cost, the pressure on national resources and the need for a planned allocation of port investment has not been proved. I have placed 283W in the Library a copy of my letter to the Authority, conveying my refusal to authorise the project and outling the reasons for the Government's decision.