SECRETARY OF STATE CONCEDES HARBOUR DUES CHALLENGE

The Secretary of State has consented to judgment in a challenge to her inspector's decision on objections made to harbour dues pursuant to section 31 of the Harbours Act 1964. The case concerned dues for the use of two commercial wharfs at Langstone Harbour. One of the issues raised in the successful challenge was the question of whether the Secretary of State in considering objections under the 1964 Act was under an obligation to consider the merits of the dues raised by the harbour authority or whether her role was confined to simply reviewing the harbour authority's decision.

James Pereira acted for the successful claimant, United Marine Dredging Limited, instructed by Richard Langley of Bircham Dyson Bell.