TORY PORKIE PIES EXPOSED & PRIVATISATION PLANS DEAD IN THE WATER
Dover & Deal MP Gwyn Prosser raised the vexed issue of port privatisation and the ferry companies’ attack on Dover Harbour Board at Prime Minister’s Questions today.
(Uncorrected transcript of PMQ 17/03/10)
Gwyn Prosser :
Thank you Mr Speaker, Norfolk Line, Seafrance and P&O Ferries have all attacked Dover Harbour Board’s proposals to sell the Port of Dover, accusing them of an 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 Rt Hon Friend agree with me that to sell the Port of Dover would be the wrong thing to do – I don’t really expect him to say yes to that - but does he agree that no Government could allow the sale of the port without the proposals enjoying the trust and support of the main stakeholders.
Prime Minister :
I always see the Hon Gentleman as the most effective campaigner on behalf of the people of Dover and I can repeat what I said recently – there will be no forced privatisation under Labour and we are not pressurising the port to privatise but we are looking at new options for investment in the necessary expansion of the port and the regeneration of Dover. Any proposals, however, would need to take account of the views of the local community and the stakeholders.
Speaking outside the chamber, Gwyn said:
“Today the Prime Minister has scotched the silly stories being pedalled by the prospective Tory candidate who has been spending large amounts of money on glossy leaflets trying to con my constituents into believing Gordon Brown is pressing Dover Harbour Board to privatise. That’s not the story I’ve been getting from the Treasury, the Department of Transport or even from the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Port of Dover but now we have it directly from the Prime Minister in the chamber – no pressure and no forced privatisation under Labour.
But the most important development is the ferry companies’ scathing attack on Dover Harbour Board and their allegations of abuse of power and misapplication of revenues. With P&O, Norfolk Line and Seafrance all lining up to challenge the Dover Harbour Board in the courts, there’s no way the Board’s current submission can make any progress, it’s dead in the water – and a good thing too.”
For more information please contact Jo Knight on 01304 214484 or 07790 184521
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The previous foxhunting poll on this website was designed to gauge my constituents' opinions on Conservative proposals to repeal the foxhunting ban. Regrettably it has been hijacked by the pro-hunt lobby in an organised internet campaign (see below). If you are a constituent and wish to share your views on this matter with me please email me directly at officeofgwynprossermp@yahoo.co.uk including your full postal address. Thank you.
My own position on the foxhunting ban is very clear. I campaigned for it, I voted for it and I fully support it. I am disgusted (but not surprised) that the Conservatives would even contemplate repealing it in the face of huge public support for the ban to remain. http://www.keepcrueltyhistory.com/downloads/pdf/kch_what_does_the_public_think.pdf
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