§ Lord Harrisonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their stance on the proposed European Union Port Services Directive, introducing competitive tendering for cargo handling and related services. [HL1648]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The Government would not be able to agree to the Commission proposals as they stand. However, we will participate fully in any discussions in Transport Council, scheduled for early in the new year, with the aim of securing an outcome which will help ensure that the UK ports remain successful, sustainable and safe.