§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is being taken either by him or the port authorities about the privatisation of ports in Northern Ireland. [35288]
§ Mr. MossThe Ports (Northern Ireland) Order came into effect on 2 January 1995. This would enable the privatisation of the Northern Ireland trust ports. It also provides reserve powers for the Department to initiate the privatisation of a port with a turnover in excess of £5.4 million, but these powers are not exercisable until two years after the order came into effect. The port authorities in Northern Ireland are currently examining the implications of this legislation.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what financial support from the European Union the ports of Northern Ireland would become ineligible if they were privatised. [35290]
§ Mr. MossEuropean Union structural funds grants which are currently available to public sector ports in Northern Ireland would continue to be available in the event of privatisation.
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