Asked by: Bernard Jenkin (Conservative - Harwich and North Essex)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent representations he has received on the proposed EU Ports Services Regulation; and what proposals he plans to make to other EU member states on that regulation.
Answered by Robert Goodwill
I have received recent representations from Honourable Members, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as well as the British Ports Association (BPA) and the United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG) on the EU Port Services Regulation (PSR). I intend to work closely with like-minded EU Member States to ensure that as far as possible we achieve an outcome that protects the competitiveness and efficiency of the UK ports sector.
Asked by: Bernard Jenkin (Conservative - Harwich and North Essex)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is the Government's policy to oppose the proposals of the EU Competition Directorate to introduce a block exemption from state aid regulations for EU ports.
Answered by Robert Goodwill
The EU Competition Directorate recently launched an initial public consultation on the proposed extension of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) to ports and airports. The Government is currently studying the proposals and seeking the views of stakeholders before responding by the consultation deadline of 30 May 2016.