HC Deb 15 May 1907 vol 174 c961
MR. J. WARD

On behalf of the hon. Member for South Glamorgan, I beg to ask the President, of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that thirty-two dock and harbour authorities, eleven in England and Wales, eleven in Scotland, and ten in Ireland, have had powers granted them by Parliament to levy dues on vessels upon a minimum percentage of the gross tonnage, in some cases of forty and in others of fifty per cent.; and whether, having regard to the Merchant Shipping (Deduction for Propelling Power) Bill now before the House, he proposes to take any measures to safeguard such powers.

MR. RUNCIMAN (for Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE)

There is nothing in the Bill now before the House which would prejudice the powers granted by Parliament to the dock and harbour authorities referred to by my hon. friend.