§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received a copy of the Port of London Authority Press release of 30th March 1976 confirming that Authority's commitment to the 266W development of a sea port on the Maplin Sands; if he has received any application for planning permission for such purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertI have received a copy of the release to which the hon. Member refers. I understand that the Port of London Authority considers that its immediate needs will be met by the proposed development of riverside berths at Tilbury which I have recently authorised, and that port development at Maplin would be for the longer term.