§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will reduce the £87 million new money offered to London and Liverpool docks by the amount that current wage claims would cost if implementation is in excess of 6 per cent.
§ Mr. FowlerAlthough the Ports (Financial Assistance) Bill provides for up to £87 million additional assistance for the ports of London and Liverpool, the Government are not committed to supporting the two port authorities beyond May, when the results of the special severance scheme will be known. I am setting each authority tight cash ceilings to meet its minimum requirements in the interim period. It is for each port authority to take whatever steps are needed to keep within its ceiling.