On 3 August 2011, the Secretary of State for Transport published revised criteria against which any proposed transfer scheme for the sale of a major trust port would be judged.

Dover Harbour Board stated its intention to proceed with its application for a transfer scheme under the Ports Act 1991, and proposed to submit a new set of documents containing a further elaboration of its scheme for consideration by the Minister of State under the new criteria.

On 15th September, in a written ministerial statement, the Secretary of State announced that the Department for Transport would, if interested parties would find it useful and seek the department’s assistance, facilitate discussions on all the options before the Dover Harbour Board submits its elaborated proposal.

Such discussions have taken place between DfT officials and the following parties:

• Dover Harbour Board
• Dover District Council
• P&O Ferries (also representing DFDS and SeaFrance)
• Dover People’s Port Trust
• UK Major Ports Group
• Dover Chamber of Commerce
• Dover Town Council

The Minister of State will have no knowledge of the issues discussed at these meetings, nor will the officials present have any role in advising the minister on her decision on Dover Harbour Board’s proposed transfer scheme.