HC Deb 27 January 1970 vol 794 cc293-4W
45 and 46. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what is his estimate of the compensation to be paid to the city and county of Bristol for the whole of their dock undertaking under the provisions of the Ports Bill;

(2) what is his estimate of the value of the lands, buildings and rights represented by the Bristol City Docks to be vested in the National Ports Authority under the provisions of the Ports Bill.

Mr. Mulley

The proposals in the Ports Bill in relation to the harbour undertakings of local councils are for a transfer on terms usual for transfers within the public sector. The National Ports Authority will make a payment to the corporation to cover the interest on, or redemption or repayment of, loans and advances outstanding in relation to the undertaking. Compensation will be paid only for expenses arising out of severance of the undertaking from the corporation's other activities. In these circumstances it would not be appropriate, even if it were practicable, for me to make any estimate of the value of the undertaking or of particular parts of it.