GREED is the major motivation behind the controversial plans for a massive container port at Dibden Bay - according to New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis.

Dr Lewis told the House of Commons that he feared that Associated British Ports' intentions for Dibden Bay were part of a master-scheme involving the closure of existing facilities in Southampton and sale of the land for huge profit.

"Only this aim would explain why ABP are determined to develop Dibden Bay irrespective of plans to expand existing container ports in the South and South East and build a huge new one at Shell Haven in Essex," said Dr Lewis.

"If Dibden Bay were up and running, there would be nothing to prevent the existing Southampton container port from being closed and the land being used to make fortunes for those running ABP."

The New Forest East MP has also asked Deputy Leader of the Commons, Paddy Tipping MP, to pass his concerns about Dibden Bay on to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

"As this is a planning matter on which John Prescott will have the final say, I felt this was a good opportunity to signal to him, via Mr Tipping, the strength of local opposition to the proposals," said Dr Lewis. A spokeswoman for ABP said: "ABP has no hidden agenda, as confirmed by our Southampton Port director Andrew Kent in a letter published by the Daily Echo in November. There are no plans for property development at the existing container terminal when Dibden is approved."