A SOUTHAMPTON MP has launched a stinging parliamentary attack on the government over the decision to reject plans for a £600m container terminal at Dibden Bay.

John Denham said it was wrong a 13-month public inquiry was forced to focus on the local and environmental impact of building a container port on 220 acres of scenic wetlands on the banks of Southampton Water.

The inquiry inspector should have been allowed to consider the national importance of Associated British Ports' plan to expand its port between Marchwood and Hythe, said Mr Denham.

Ex-minister Mr Denham hit out during a debate on a report on UK ports by the House of Commons' Transport Select Committee. Supporters of ABP's plan claimed the port should have been an international hub for sea freight - creating hundreds of jobs and easing congestion in shipping lines through the English Channel.

Mr Denham, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "The inspector had to decide whether Dibden Bay was critical to the national interest, not only without a government port strategy but also without an official government projection of the need for port capacity in the UK."

Experts predict sea freight will increase 20 per cent over the next decade. Mr Denham said: "It was not surprising the inspector concluded that there was demand for more container capacity

"But as this could be provided at other ports he could not say it must take place at Southampton."

Mr Denham said the restrictions placed on the inspector because of government policy were "somewhat unsatisfactory".

He said: "I hope ministers recognise the process was not able to look at the strategic need for a port at Southampton."

Mr Denham urged Transport Minister Tony McNulty to acknowledge the "critical importance of the port of Southampton to the local, regional and national economy".

He insisted ministers show their commitment to the port potential by upgrading the railway line linking the docks with the West Midlands, allowing it handle more sea freight.

Mr Denham also asked that if proposals to expand Southampton port were re-introduced, they would get a fair hearing.

At the public inquiry, ABP argued new berths at Southampton Water were vital so it could continue to compete in the world market.But the campaign group Residents Against Dibden Bay Port, English Nature, RSPB and other organisations said claimed Dibden Bay should be included in a New Forest National Park.

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