STATEMENT FROM GWYN PROSSER MP
"I am disappointed but not at all surprised that Dover Harbour Board have declared their wish to privatise the Port of Dover. It has always been my view that the current Chief Executive has had ambitions to sell off the port ever since his appointment and he has now convinced the Board to support him.
Mr Goldfield has consistently told us that the port was an efficient and successful operation and his Board saw no advantage in seeking privatisation. But when he sold off of most of his loyal workforce last year his real intentions became obvious.
I've opposed privatisation ever since the Tories brought in the Ports Act in 1991, I oppose Dover Harbour Board's current bid and I expect the government to reject it.
My guess is that the Board are making their application now in anticipation of a Tory government taking office in the New Year which would guarantee Mr Goldfield realising his ambitions because the Conservatives, at local and national level, have continually pressed to sell off Dover in the same way they sold off Medway and other Trust ports.
I am still anticipating the re-election of a Labour government and the continuance of Dover Harbour Board as a highly successful trust port with the potential to realise all its expansion plans and support Dover's ambitious regeneration proposals"