| UK. Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman launches Ports Policy Review |
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| Tuesday, 23 May 2006 | |
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Legislation news: Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman has launched the Government's Ports Policy Review and invited responses on a range of broad strategic issues. He also announced the outcome of a review of the management of ports in local authority ownership in England and Wales. Among the most important themes that the Ports Policy Review sets out for consultation are: the national, regional and local policy dimensions; expected capacity requirements at national level for different types of cargo; inland and coastal connections by road, rail and water; environmental issues; competition at national and international level; governance and accountability in a mixed-ownership sector; making the most of smaller ports; and whether there is scope for improving ports planning procedures. Dr Ladyman said: "International trade in goods accounts for nearly 30% of our GDP, and ports are overwhelmingly the gateways to the global distribution network. They are crucial to our success in a global economy. And ports have wider impacts upon our economy, society and environment, which Government has to address. "The Ports Policy Review which I'm launching today should inform, and set the right limits for, future Government involvement in what is already a thriving, largely commercial sector." The views of stakeholders and of other interested parties are being sought over the coming three months. The Department will then consider the responses to this consultation in detail and work with the Welsh Assembly Government, DRD Northern Ireland and other departments towards a revised policy framework for ports in the first half of 2007. Speaking about the review of municipal ports in England and Wales Dr Ladyman said: "We believe that within the current framework for decision-making in local government there is scope for more responsive and dynamic management of municipal ports. In reviewing the sector, the Department has worked closely with DCLG, the Welsh Assembly, local authorities and the municipal ports sector to identify effective ways of working and thereby help local authorities in their stewardship of the ports which they own. "In the report published today, the Department and DCLG have together developed recommendations which, where they are appropriate to the individual local authority and port, can deliver real improvements in the management and performance of ports." |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 May 2006 ) |
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