§ MR. J. WARDOn 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.