§ 63. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the London Dockland Development Corporation in respect of port-related industry in east London.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe LDDC is keen to encourage the widest possible use of the retained water areas and the river, and I understand the corporation is ready to support water-based activities where a viable market demand has been identified.
The corporation initiated a joint working party with the London borough of Newham, the GLC and the PLA to consider the future planning of the Royal group of docks and, in seeking to identify potential development opportunities, the working party has had as a main aim retention of water access to the docks.
Studies have been commissioned to consider the potential for fast river passenger services in Dockland and for a local transport interchange in the Blackwall Reach. A further study of the possibilities for riverside freight facilities at Gallions Reach is expected to be commissioned shortly.