Proposals for the
privatisation of the Port of Dover are set for further public
scrutiny after Shipping Minister Mike Penning asked Dover Harbour
Board to publish additional information about their plans.
In January 2010, the Board published proposals which would enable
it to privatise the Port of Dover, bringing in outside investment
to help increase capacity. These plans were subject to an
eight-week public consultation.
In a written statement to Parliament this morning, Mr Penning
asked the Board to publish further work they have since carried
out on the likely impact of the scheme, including details on
proposals for a Port of Dover Community Trust and Share Employee
Ownership Trust. He also requested a further period of
consultation with interested parties, which will begin in the next
few days.
Mike Penning said:
"Dover is a vital piece of our national
infrastructure and it is important that local residents, port
users and other organisations have a say in its future. I have
therefore asked the Board to publish some more information on
their plans, as well as providing the opportunity for additional
consultation. This will give all individuals with an interest in
the Port of Dover a further and better-informed opportunity to
comment on the Board's proposals."
Notes to Editors
1. The period for further representations is expected to begin in
the next few days and will close on 27 th August 2010.
2. The Port of Dover is a trust port, which means it has no
owners or shareholders and any surpluses are reinvested in the
port.
3. In January, Dover Harbour Board submitted a transfer scheme to
the Department and published it with proposed revised articles of
association and a briefing document. This can be found at http://www.doverport.co.uk/?page=CorporateRestructure
4. Under the Ports Act 1991, if a scheme is approved by the
Secretary of State, the trust port concerned may transfer its
assets and liabilities into an operating company, which can then
be sold.
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