Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the Government's policy is on the EU Port Services Regulations; and what discussions he has had on those regulations with the UK Major Ports Group.

While the Government does not believe that the Proposal was necessary in respect of a proven competitive market based port sector, the Government has negotiated to secure an outcome that ensures the continued commercial integrity of our highly competitive port sector. I am pleased to say that the general approach agreed by the Transport Council on 8 October does represent a great improvement in this regard, as compared with the Commission’s original Proposal, and takes account of several key UK industry concerns.

I have had – and continue to have – extensive and detailed discussions with not only the UK Major Ports Group and British Ports Association, but with trade unions and others who are likely to be affected by the Proposal; and I discussed the matter personally with the outgoing Commissioner, Siim Kallas, ahead of Transport Council.

The Government remains committed to addressing the very real concerns of industry, its employees, suppliers and customers, and to securing the best deal for our port sector and I will continue to challenge Brussels to recognise the circumstances of our unique ports sector.