§ Mr. PoundTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's ports policy. [140763]
§ Mr. HillA ports policy paper, "Modern Ports", has been published today and a copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House. It is the first comprehensive statement of policy for many years on a wide range of issues relating to the UK ports industry. Ports are vital to our economy and international trade. They have an important role in integrated transport policy. The Government seek to build on the many sound and well-established working relationships they already have with the industry. The paper identifies a number of specific initiatives we hope to pursue. A lot of Departments make regulatory demands on the industry and we will ensure that different regulators co-ordinate their overall demands. We will promote agreed national standards and good practice for port management and port operations alike. We will also promote training and the recognition of skills for those who work in the ports industry at all levels. The paper sets out a balanced policy on development which aims to makes the best use of existing and former operational land, secures high environmental standards, but supports sustainable projects for which there is a clear need.
Some of the matters covered by the paper are devolved. I am pleased to say that "Modern Ports" represents a UK policy, agreed with the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.