DEPUTIES have been warned by harbour users not to scrap the Ports Holding Account until they know more about the possibility of commercialisation.

On the eve of the capital prioritisation debate, the Guernsey Commercial Ports Users Association has spoken out against Treasury & Resources’ plans to take control of the account, traditionally used to only fund projects at the harbours and airports.

An amendment by the Public Services Department, currently responsible for it, calls for any decision to wait until December when it will present plans to separate the operation of the harbours and airport and move them into a ‘different business environment’.

GCPA president Steve Champion-Smith (pictured) said it was the sole intent of Treasury & Resources to persuade the House to remove the Ports Holding Account in order to take control of the collective income and place it in general revenue.

‘It is a matter of some concern and frustration that this is the route T&R wishes to take at this time, particularly given that it is known that Public Services is in the process of investigating the commercialisation of the ports – a move that is wholly supported by the port users,’ he said.

‘In addition, the frustration grows with T&R’s tactics, given that the mention of the proposal is buried deep in the initial report. This displays a desire by T&R to avoid the need to explain its motivation in the proper and correct manner.’