§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further assistance will be given to major ports such as Southampton in financing infrastructure and superstructure to increase economic efficiency; and what part private enterprise will take in the commercial superstructure in those ports.
§ Mr. MulleyFinancial assistance from the National Loans Fund is available for capital investment at ports, including Southampton, owned by the British Transport Docks Board, under the Transport Act 1962. Loans to other harbour authorities for similar purposes are available under the Harbours Act 1964. I have no plans for additional financial assistance. The financing of commercial superstructure is a matter primarily for negotiation between harbour authorities and the interests involved.