HC Deb 05 March 2003 vol 400 cc1024-6W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which trust ports are classified as public corporations. [100668]

Mr. Jamieson

In discussion with the Office of National Statistics, we have identified 21 trust ports in England and Wales that might fall within the classification as public corporations at the present time. These are:

  • Bridlington
  • Caernarfon
  • Chichester
  • Dover
  • Falmouth
  • Flamborough (North Sea Landing)
  • Harwich
  • Hope Cove
  • Langstone
  • Littlehampton
  • Milford Haven
  • Newlyn
  • Orford
  • Poole
  • Port Isaac
  • Port of London
  • Port of Tyne
  • Sandwich
  • Sandersfoot
  • Shoreham
  • Teignmouth

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the financial reporting arrangements are for trust ports now classified as public corporations. [100700]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 4 March 2003]: As we are still working to assess what the impact of this classification might be, there have been no changes to the financial reporting arrangements at this time. All non-fishery trust ports are already required to submit their annual accounts to the Secretary of State under the Harbours Act 1964.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 16 December 2002,Official Report, column 644W, on trust ports, what progress has been made on discussions with the Office for National Statistics; and if he will make a statement. [100701]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 4 March 2003]: We have now identified with the Office of National Statistics which trust ports might fall within the classification as public corporations, and my officials are currently working to identify the financial and resource implications of this classification for those ports and the Department.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why there is no reference to the trust ports classified as public corporations in the Resource Accounts 2001–02 of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions; and if he will make a statement. [100703]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 4 March 2003]: At the time of preparation of the Department's 2001–02 Resource Accounts we were still discussing the proposed classification with ONS, including trying to identify which ports would fall within that classification. Therefore we were unable to include any reference to the trust ports in those accounts.