§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of continuance of the trust port election system; and if he will make a statement. [124575]
§ Mr. HillOfficials have examined these issues in detail and discussed them with the trust ports concerned.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on his Department's plans to reform trust ports, specifically with regard to plans to abolish the present trust port election system. [124574]
§ Mr. HillOur plans for reform of trust ports are set out in "Modernising Trust Ports—A guide to good governance" published in January. This guidance, drawn up with the assistance of trust ports and the Scottish Executive, includes advice on the appointment process in trust ports. In a few trust ports appointments are made by local election. We have not proposed to abolish these arrangements but we have offered further advice on improvements to ensure that elections are held in a more open and accountable manner. We have only received representations from two Scottish ports, which are being considered by the Scottish Executive.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account he has taken of democratic accountability in his proposals for changing the election system in trust ports. [124576]
§ Mr. HillOur proposals seek to improve democratic accountability by ensuring that local elections for trust port boards reflect current electoral standards and are more representative of each port's community of stakeholders. Such improvements are also intended to deliver candidates with the skills required for governance of the ports.