§ 1. Mr. SHINWELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether representations have been made to his Department with reference to excessive harbour dues; whether such charges are imposed without consultation with the Board of Trade; and, if so, whether, having regard to the heavy burdens on shipping and commercial interests arising from this cause, he will take action in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Ashley)I have been asked to reply to this question. Representations have been received from various shipping and trading organisations in respect of applications made by dock and harbour authorities under the provisions of the Harbours, Docks and Piers (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920 to 1922. These representations have been, or will be, referred to the Rates 2334 Advisory Committee for consideration in conjunction with the applications to which they relate.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs there any immediate prospect of a reduction of charges as a result of the representations that have been made?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYI shall have to wait until the Committee has reported before answering that question.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs there any prospect of the Committee reporting shortly?
§ Lieut-Colonel ASHLEYThere will be no undue delay.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that only legislation passed this year has enabled these excessive charges to be made?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYThe lion, and gallant Member could not have listened to my answer, which referred to the Act of 1920–22.
§ Mr. G. BALFOURIs it not the fact that the excessive dues are attributable to the extraordinary wages claimed by dock workers? [HON. MEMBERS: "NO, no!"]