HL Deb 21 February 2005 vol 669 cc185-6WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the European Union's second draft Ports Service Directive; and, if not, what changes they wish to be made. [HL1202]

Lord Davies of Oldham

The UK Government support market liberalisation in the ports sector but believe that significant improvements are needed in many aspects of this draft proposal. We are currently consulting with the UK ports sector and other major stakeholders on the potential impact of this proposal before finalising a negotiating position.