PART 5FUNCTIONS OF THE HARBOUR AUTHORITY

Powers of disposal46.

(1)

The Harbour Authority may, on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, but with the consent of the Secretary of State (except in the case mentioned in paragraph (5)), sell, lease, charge, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of the whole or any part of the undertaking or the right to operate the undertaking.

(2)

Any disposal under paragraph (1) may, amongst other things, provide for—

(a)

the exercise of the functions of the Harbour Authority under this Order by any other person; and

(b)

for the transfer to any other person of the whole or any part of the undertaking together with the rights and obligations of the Harbour Authority in relation to the whole or any part of the undertaking transferred.

(3)

The exercise of the powers of any enactment (including this Order) by any person in pursuance of any sale, lease, charge or disposal under paragraph (1), or any agreement under this article, shall be subject to the same restrictions, liabilities and obligations as would apply under this Order if those powers were exercised by the Harbour Authority.

(4)

For the avoidance of doubt, the making by the Harbour Authority in relation to the port premises of—

(a)

any agreement; or

(b)

the grant of any right or interest in land (other than transfer of a freehold interest);

for the purpose of enabling any person other than the Harbour Authority to make use of, or to carry on the business of providing and operating services or facilities comprised within the port premises (whether or not provided by the Harbour Authority), does not constitute a disposal of the undertaking for the purposes of this article.

(5)

The case referred to in paragraph (1) is the transfer by the Harbour Authority for a port-related use of a freehold interest in a single parcel of land within the area of jurisdiction of an area not exceeding 36 hectares (88.96 acres).