To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the principal ports of Northern Ireland has carried the greatest tonnage of outward traffic in each year since 1987.

In 1987, the port of Lame carried the greatest tonnage of outward traffic, but in each year since then Belfast has carried the higher total.

Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating the port of Larne on its investment of £7 million in a new quay? Is he aware that, contrary to earlier suggestions, a substantial amount of that money comes from the European Commission, from the European regional development fund?

Yes, Madam Speaker.