Tees and Hartlepool Trust Port

HC Deb 19 December 1991 vol 201 cc238-9W

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake a full investigation of the circumstances of the sale of the Tees and Hartlepool trust port; if he will make public his discussions with those representing the Tees and Hartlepool trust port management buy-out at the meeting planned for 17 December 1991; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

My. right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied that the board of the Tees and Hartlepool port authority has conducted the sale of its undertaking with all due propriety, and in accordance with the provisions of the Ports Act 1991. There is no need for any investigation.

I met the Earl of Stockton and representatives of the senior management of the Tees and Hartlepool port authority on 18 December at their request. I regard our discussions as having been conducted in confidence.