§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to make using British ports more attractive to merchant shipping. [118275]
§ Mr. JamiesonOur policy aims for ports are to promote competitiveness, high national safety standards and best environmental practice. 'Modern Ports', published in November 2000, set out a range of specific initiatives designed to help the ports industry rise to challenges it faces, and we are making good progress on these. We are also working with European partners and the UK industry to promote and develop effective, efficient and sustainable coastal and short sea shipping.
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§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial assistance has been given to the British ports sector since 1997 to improve services; and if he will make a statement on proposals to increase the number of large ports in the UK. [118280]
§ Mr. JamiesonIn general we believe that port developments should not need public subsidy, but each case is judged on its merits and if there is evidence of market failure and the project offers worthwhile economic and/or environmental benefits, it may qualify for an element of public funding. For example, since 1997 the Government has awarded three freight grants worth a total of over —15 million to three UK ports to assist with capital projects designed to remove freight from road and onto to water. Information on other possible sources of public funding given to ports is not held centrally. Proposals to develop new ports are primarily matters for the private sector companies involved, subject to obtaining the statutory consents required.