Associated British Ports (No. 2) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 8:12 pm on 1 November 1989.

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Photo of Edward Leigh Edward Leigh , Gainsborough and Horncastle 8:12, 1 November 1989

Although the port of Immingham could be used for importing coal, what it really needs is to expand. It is crying out for additional facilities so that it can deal, in particular, with steel and chemicals. That point must be made repeatedly.

British ports face stiff competition from Rotterdam and other continental ports. Expansion at Immingham will help Britain compete effectively and allow businesses in my constituency and that of my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown) to flourish. That is why we support the Bill. Opposition Members emphasise that the Bill is intended to allow imports of foreign coal, but it is not.