§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will request from the European Commission more time for the European Transport Workers' Federation to consult its members on the Commission's proposals on Access to the Port Service Market; [R] [130858]
(2) what assessment he has made of the implications for the Port of London Authority of the proposals of the European Commissioner for Energy and Transport made on 26 May in respect of state aid and port services; and if he will make a statement; [R] [130860]
257W(3) if Ministers will meet dock and maritime trade union representatives prior to formulating the United Kingdom response to the proposals of the European Commissioner for Energy and Transport made on 26 May in respect of ports competition and which are now the subject of consultation; and if he will make a statement. [R] [130861]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 18 July 2000]: The European Commission has not yet published formal proposals on port services and state aid, but we understand that proposals are planned for later this year. Officials are continuing to keep in touch with the Commission on these issues. We shall consult widely on any specific proposals that the Commission brings forward, and I would be happy to meet representatives of the dock and maritime trade unions in due course.