§ Laura MoffattTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on departmental responsibility for fishery harbours. [14741]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Transfer of Functions (Fishery Harbours) Order 2001 was laid before Parliament today. It transfers legislative responsibility for English fishery harbours from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions.
548WThe transfer follows a recommendation of the 1998 Review of Trust Ports, and will improve the efficiency of the Government's involvement in harbour legislation. A consultation exercise showed wide support for the transfer.