To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow liners into the River Mersey in 2009 and 2010. [HL2694]

The matter of which types of vessel may enter a port or harbour is not for Her Majesty's Government but for the designated harbour authority. In the case of the River Mersey this is the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. The Government encourage ports to compete for business including the cruise liner trades. The Port of Liverpool can accommodate cruise vessels and we understand that a number of visits are scheduled for 2009.