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Keith, like Vic, I have never made an issue of asking for a substitution of DHB.
Whereas the DPPT intends to replace DHB.
We have Howard interpreting that there is no future for Trust ports according to Gov., and if he is right, then my point is, DPPT are a Trust. So that would imply they have no chance as a starter.
Personally I don't see in the response from the DfT any indication that the Trust status of DHB will be revoked, but I do find it hard to see the Government replacing one Trust status (DHB) for another (DPPT).
The full name: Dover People's Port Trust, might have backfired on DPPT, at least that is what I read between the lines, looking at Howard's opinion.
As stated many times in the past, my proposal has been that the Port should be transferred to the local Community by way of a passage from Central to local Government, with a condition that it can never be privatised. However DHB would remain the Port's administrating authority with its existing institutions, including the Port Police Force.
As for a Port Toll, even if the Government accepted a minimal toll for public revenue destined to the local councils, even if it was initially much smaller than I suggested, it would be by many, many times better than the 1 million pounds a year in dividends proposed by DPPT.
I am currently in communication with the DfT on this issue.