HC Deb 25 October 1995 vol 264 cc717-8W
Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Government grant made to Mersey Docks and Harbour Co., in 1989, was written off; and if he will make a statement. [38435]

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 October 1995]: As part of the company's capital reconstruction in 1989, the Government agreed to write off £1.5 million, being a proportion of outstanding loans, and to waive its entitlement to £110 million of repayable grants made between 1971 and 1982. No additional grants were made to the company by Government in 1989 as part of that reconstruction.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of the dock labour force who accepted payment in 1989, are now being re-introduced by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co.; and if he will make a statement. [38434]

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 October 1995]: This is a matter for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what instructions the Government representatives on the board of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co., have been given to resolve the dispute with the dock labour force; and if he will make a statement. [38436]

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 October 1995]: My right hon. Friend ceased to appoint "A" directors to the board of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co. in 1989, following a capital reconstruction.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the salary and names of the board of the Mersey Dock and Harbour Co. and the salary in the financial year for 1987–88. [38432]

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 October 1995]: These are matters for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co. Details can be found in its annual report for the year involved.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it a condition of further grants to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co. that the company provide permanent contracts of employment in respect of stevedoring work. [38739]

Mr. Norris

It is not Government policy to make grants to harbour authorities. Contracts of employment are matters for the company.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the Government's share in the Mersey Docks and Harbours Co. was used to finance the purchase of Medway Ports Ltd. in 1993; and if he will make a statement. [38433]

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 October]: The Government played no role in this purchase which was entirely a commercial matter for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co.