§ Mr. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further progress has been made in the development of the Government's policy for the ports.
§ Mr. PeytonThe Government have decided that the port modernisation grants scheme is no longer necessary or appropriate. Transitional arrangements will provide for grants to be paid for three more years only where contracts have been concluded before today's date, but the qualifying period before payment is normally made will be reduced from nine to six months. Grants will nevertheless continue to be paid on contracts still 199W to be let as an integral part of the present Seaforth dock scheme on the Mersey.
Loans under Section 11 of the Harbours Act, 1964, for harbour works, etc. will continue to be available in appropriate cases to harbour authorities. In future, authorities will be able to apply for loans to cover such amounts as they would previously have received by way of grant.
The Government propose that the limit for the control of schemes of harbour development under Section 9 of the Harbours Act, 1964, should be increased from £500,000 to £1 million. The necessary order will be laid before Parliament after the Recess.
I am considering other means of forwarding the Government's policies for the ports and will be making an announcement as soon as possible. The National Ports Council will have an important rôle in any such measures.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet made any decision on the application by the Port of Bristol for a grant under Section 12 of the Harbours Act, 1964, in respect of its proposed West Dock scheme.
§ Mr. PeytonI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Mr. Fox) today. Under the arrangements announced, the proposed Bristol West Dock scheme will not qualify for a port modernisation grant. Bristol will, however, be able to apply for loans under Section 11 of the Harbours Act, 1964.