§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the consequences of increased container vessel size for the provision of United Kingdom container port facilities; and what assessment he has made of the impact of such considerations upon a United Kingdom ports strategy; [8436]
(2) what assessment he has made of the feasibility of encouraging short sea routes as part of a United Kingdom port strategy; and if he will make a statement. [8435]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMeasures needed to accommodate larger vessels are for the port authorities concerned in the first place. The Government is committed to encouraging the use of short sea shipping as an alternative to road transport where this is a practical and economic option. The Government is undertaking a transport policy review which will cover, amongst other things, the potential for a shift to short sea shipping, particularly for freight, as part of a policy to promote a progressive shift to less environmentally damaging modes; the environmental impact of ports, including surface access arrangements; and the role of ports in promoting regional development. The Government intends to publish a White Paper on an integrated transport strategy next Spring.