HC Deb 02 December 1998 vol 321 cc203-4W
Mr. McNulty

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how expenditure incurred by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland on consultancy advice, to assist in its consideration of Belfast Harbour Commissioner's proposal to transfer the Port of Belfast to the private sector, will be funded. [62345]

Marjorie Mowlam

Belfast Harbour Commissioners have brought forward their proposal to transfer the Port to the private sector under the terms of the Ports (NI) Order 1994. The legislation does not, however, empower the Department to incur expenditure in considering that proposal.

Parliament's approval for expenditure on consultant's fees associated with this proposal in the current financial year will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for Department of the Environment Vote 1 (Roads, Transport and Ports). Pending that approval, expenditure will be met by repayable advances from the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund.