Proposed Closure Of Ports Office For Scotland

EDM number 104 in 1994-95, proposed by James Wallace on 23/11/1994.

That this House views with serious concern the Department of Transport's proposals to close the Ports Office for Scotland and to transfer its functions to the Department of Transport in London; notes the efficient and prompt service which the Ports Office for Scotland has given, not least in assisting harbour authorities in matters relating to harbour development, works licences, coastal protection and in liaising with other departments such as the Scottish Office and the Crown Estate Office in matters of importance relating to Scottish ports and harbours; expresses its concern that if the transfer takes place there will be inevitable additional costs for ports and harbour authority respresentatives travelling to meet officials; further notes that this valued service would be lost and additional expenditure incurred in return for an annual saving of only ú44,000; and therefore calls upon the Department of Transport to affirm the commitment to continue the presence of the Ports Office for Scotland in Edinburgh.

This motion has been signed by a total of 55 MPs.