Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Gwyn Prosser (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Norfolkline, SeaFrance and P&O Ferries have all attacked Dover Harbour Board's proposals to sell off the port of Dover, accusing it of abuse of power and threatening legal action through the courts. The people of Dover, the seafarers and the port workers all oppose privatisation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that to sell the port of Dover would be the wrong thing? I do not expect that he will say yes to that, but does he agree that no Government would allow the sale of a port without the trust and support of the main stakeholders?

Answer: I have always seen my hon. Friend as the most effective campaigner on behalf of the people of Dover. I repeat today what I said recently: there will be no forced privatisation under Labour. We are not pressurising the port to privatise, but we must look for new options in the investment necessary for port expansion and Dover's regeneration. Any proposals, however, would need to take account of the views of the local community and the stakeholders.

Secondary information