§ Sir Roger MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will include the ports of Sheerness and Ramsgate in the proposals for the European Community's trans-European network maps.
§ Mr. NorrisMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport does not propose, as matters stand, to press for the addition of Sheerness and Ramsgate to the draft trans-European network guideline maps. The contents of the trans-European networks maps are still under consideration, but they would, in any case, be finally for decision by the European Council.
These ports, and many other prominent United Kingdom ports, are not on the principal networks for the modes for which maps are under discussion. The member states group on ports and maritime development has argued against the production of a separate trans-European networks map for ports. Rather, it has proposed the development of a list of port projects which fulfil certain criteria.