ACCESS TO PORT SERVICES DIRECTIVE

Early day motion 476, tabled 30 June 2005 by Gwyn Prosser (Labour). Signed by 50 members.

That this House recognises the important role of ports in the economic success of the UK economy; welcomes the demise of the original Access to Port Services Directive following cross-European opposition; welcomes the partnership between the Transport and General Workers' Union, the United Kingdom Marine Pilots Association and the United Kingdom Major Ports Group in opposing the new Access to Port Services Directive; believes opposition to the Directive will continue to ensure the competitiveness of UK ports and maintain the safest working environment for those people employed in the ports and keep pilotage and towage as independent professions; calls on the Government to withdraw its support from the Ports Services Directive; supports Members of the European Parliament who have campaigned against it; and welcomes the EU-wide campaign by the European Transport Federation to oppose it.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 4, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 1.