THE full resumption of the Dibden Bay public inquiry in Southampton was put off until tomorrow when the inquiry's deputy inspector, Andrew Phillipson, was taken ill at the start of yesterday's hearing.

Mr Phillipson is assisting inspector Michael Hurley at the inquiry in Southampton's Eastern Docks into plans for a new container terminal between Hythe and Marchwood.

But just ten minutes into evidence on noise and vibration, Mr Hurley explained: "Mr Phillipson was unwell during the night. He feels unwell again now and in the circumstances, it is not appropriate that he should continue.

"I think we have sufficient time in hand to postpone the inquiry until Thursday, when I hope Mr Phillipson will be restored to good health."

The adjournment came just after an acoustics expert had begun to introduce evidence on behalf of Associated British Ports, the docks operator which wants to build the terminal.