HC Deb 22 April 2002 vol 384 c57W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance his Department issues on how alternatives to port developments should be assessed where adverse environmental impacts are likely; what decisions have been taken on who is to carry out these assessments; and if he will make a statement. [51376]

Mr. Jamieson

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wirral, South (Mr. Chapman) on 19 December 2001,Official Report, column 517W, in which I announced that the Department had issued a consultation paper concerned with the development of an appraisal framework for ports in the UK. The period for consultation ran until 5 April and we are now analysing the results. These will assist the Department in drawing up a guidance note for all those involved with port developments requiring some form of official approval, which we aim to issue later this year. It will address how alternatives are to be assessed.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions by what means his Department intends to measure port productivity and efficiency to establish what scope there is for improved use of existing facilities; and if he will make a statement. [51375]

Mr. Jamieson

Our ports policy paper, "Modern Ports—A UK Policy", published in November 2000, recognised that it is important to have a clear overall picture of trends affecting the ports industry, and especially of the potential need for new port development. We said that the Government will consider with the industry and other interests how to benchmark port performance and best practice methods. We are discussing with the ports industry how this can be taken forward.

I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Reading, West (Mr. Salter) on 7 November 2001, Official Report, columns 296W-97W, in which I announced that the Department had issued a discussion paper, "Recent developments and prospects in UK container ports", which was aimed at promoting a better understanding of the ports and shipping business, and of the demands which are now causing pressure on capacity.