§ Lord Brabazon of Taraasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will report progress on considering the transfer scheme submitted by the Port of Tyne Authority.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)The transfer scheme submitted by the Port of Tyne Authority contains a number of provisions which, in our view, would constrain the operation and development of the port. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport has considered the arguments offered by the authority about the provisions in question and the legal position, and is now minded to make his own transfer scheme under Section 12 of the Ports Act 1991.
Before preparing such a scheme, there is a requirement to consult the Port Authority. I have today written to the Chairman of the Port of Tyne Authority to seek the views of the board.