asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have taken place between his Department and the Clyde Port Authority regarding the proposed closure of the Greenock container terminal.

The authority has kept my officials informed of impending developments and has discussed with them and with officials of the Department of Employment, Government grant towards severance payments to registered dock workers. My noble Friend the Lord Brabazon of Tara has corresponded with the chairman of the authority, at the hon. Member's request, about the authority's decision.