PROPOSALS to hold a conference in Southampton, to decide how the city can claim the title of cruise capital of Europe, failed to win backing with councillors on Wednesday.

Labour and Tory councillors voted against the Liberal Democrat move - saying it was not the right way forward.

Opponents to the gathering conceded that Southampton owed a great deal to the cruise liners but a conference would be costly to put on.

"Even if we held one what would be the outcomes? Better to continue the talks we have already with ABP (Associated British Ports) and the cruise ship companies to see how we can progress," said the Labour leisure executive member Councillor Derek Burke.

Tory councillor John Hannides said he had no problem with the local authority playing a role - but the council council not muscle in on how the cruising industry was operated.

"It is those who are directly involved with the industry who should be driving the agenda and getting the debate going on this issue - that is the right way to proceed," he said.

Liberal Democrat Councillor John Slade said his group wanted to explore how the city could capitalise on passengers arriving in the city for their cruise and gear the tourist industry to meet this market.

"Southampton hasn't capitalised on its sailing heritage - we need to target passengers to spend more time in the city."

Cllr Derek Burke said he had worked in the docks for 32 years and he knew exactly how the cruise industry operates. Most passengers arrived by coach, he said, and only a few came by car.