To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy, upon receiving a recommendation from the Port of London authority as to a buyer for the Port of Tilbury, to consider the credit rating of the recommended bidder before making his decision; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. and learned Friend announced yesterday in a statement to the House that he has given his consent to the sale of the Port of Tilbury to International Transport Ltd., as recommended by the board of the Port of London authority. My right hon. and learned Friend explained that, in reaching this decision, he was satisfied that the recommended bid met the agreed objectives of sale.