HC Deb 21 January 1992 vol 202 c156W
Mr. Ron Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received recent representations from the Forth ports authority about the privatisation of Leith docks, including a management buy-out; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

On 8 January the Forth ports authority submitted under the provisions of section 9 of the Ports Act 1991 for confirmation by my right hon. and learned Friend a scheme for the transfer of their undertaking to a successor company formed under section 1 of the Act. The authority has announced its intention to sell its undertaking by means of a flotation, and I understand that it intends that the flotation should include provision for a substantial shareholding by management and employers.

My right hon. and learned Friend and I very much welcome this decision by the largest trust port in Scotland to seek privatisation under the Ports Act.