§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 24 October to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing),Official Report, column 190, under what powers the Port of London Authority employs its police force; if he envisages that the new owners of the Tilbury undertaking will be afforded similar powers; and what consultations he has had with the representatives of the members of the Port of London police about the implications for their employment and welfare of his decision outlined in that answer.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Port of London Authority currently has powers to appoint constables under section 154 of the Port of London Act 1968. As I indicated in my answer to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing), it is too early to be precise about the division of activities and responsibilities after the Tilbury undertaking has been sold into private ownership. Future employment and welfare conditions for members of the PLA police force are matters for negotiation between the PLA Police Federation and the authority itself.