§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what effect the addition of a port at Maplin sands is expected to have on the trade of the other principal ports in the United Kingdom by the years 1978, 1980, 1990 and 2000, respectively.
§ Mr. PeytonA seaport at Maplin would not necessarily affect the trade of other ports.
§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what studies the decision to add a port to the Maplin sands airport development programme was based.
§ Mr. PeytonThe Port of London Authority has been studying the possibility of seaport development on the Maplin Sands for some time. After considering the scope for associating other forms of development with the airport at Maplin, it was announced on 2nd February 1972 that the Government saw no objection in principle to seaport development there. The PLA subsequently submitted proposals for an oil terminal and unit-load terminal.
The Government have since given agreement in principle to these proposals, and have told the PLA that they are willing to consider detailed applications under Section 9 of the Harbours Act 1964 based on a full commercial case with firm evidence of demand.
§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what forecasts there are available of the projected use of the port proposed to be built at Maplin 348W sands in the years 1978, 1980, 1990 and 2000 in terms of imports and exports passing through the port, expressed in terms of the main commodities and traffic.
§ Mr. PeytonForecasts in the form requested by my hon. Friend are not available.