§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to reduce port charges in the UK; and if regional ports will receive subsidies to help alleviate port charges and increase their competitiveness. [36132]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have no plans to intervene in the commercial operations of harbour authorities, which charge users of harbours for the services that they provide. We believe that port operations should not in general need public subsidy.