Sea Ports/Airpoits (Hansard, 27 May 2004)

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is towards port developments. [175087]

§ Mr. Darling
Our policy towards port development is as set out in Modern Ports, our policy paper issued in 2000. We will support sustainable port projects for which there is a clear need, with each looked at in detail on its merits.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how his Department is promoting the UK ports industry. [175089]

§ Mr. Darling
We take appropriate steps necessary to ensure that the ports industry continues to meet the needs of the wider UK economy.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport under what authority the provision of port facilities elsewhere in Europe may be taken into account when considering whether new or expanded port facilities should be authorised in the UK. [175090]

§ Mr. Darling
The Habitats Directives provide that, where an Appropriate Assessment concludes that a proposed port development may adversely affect the integrity of a European Site, there is a requirement to consider alternative solutions. In these circumstances European Commission guidance states that alternative solutions may extend to alternatives in other EU regions1782W or countries. However, it is clear that the extent to which options outside the UK are indeed alternatives will depend, amongst other things, on how effectively they can still serve the market in the UK.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last discussed the impact of the EU Habitats Directive on the ports industry with(a) the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and (b) his European counterparts. [175091]

§ Mr. Darling
Officials have regular discussions with DEFRA on a wide range of environmental port issues, including the impact of the Habitats Directive. We have worked with DEFRA in securing clarification from the Commission on application of the Habitats Directive in port approaches, and we have assisted the Commission's work with my European counterparts to ensure consistency across all Member States.