Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he plans to create harbour authorities for Coleraine, Larne and Belfast harbours.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesFollowing the establishment of the new Warrenpoint harbour authority and the proposals which have been announced for Londonderry, I am considering the future organisation of the remaining commercial harbours in Northern Ireland in the light of national ports policy and local circumstances. Priority must now be given to Belfast harbour in view of its dominant position in the economy. Any action will be preceded by full consultation with the interests concerned.
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) under the conditions attached thereto, whether EEC grants can be used to repay existing loans, or to subsidise current harbour charges, or if they must be used for new capital expenditure;
(2) what are the conditions attached to the loans from EEC grants to Northern Ireland harbours;
(3) who decides how the EEC grants to Northern Ireland harbours are to be spent; and what instructions he has issued regarding the expenditure of this money.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.