18. Mr. FREDERICK GREENasked the Minister of Transport what increases he has directed in the rates, dues, and charges of the Port of London Authority; and whether any steps have been taken to ensure that such increases are not more than are required to enable the authority to meet its increased working expenses?
§ Mr. NEALIn order to enable them to meet the increase in dockers' wages, the Port of London Authority applied for further increased charging powers. On the recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee, a direction was issued taking effect on the 10th of May increasing the authority's charges by a maximum of 135 per cent. and, in the case of grain, 150 per cent. over those in force on the 22nd of April, 1917. The increases represent a 65 per cent. additional to the percentage increases already in force at the time of the direction. The Committee recommended that any direction should be subject to reconsideration in case it should appear from the Authority's accounts that the increases were more or less than sufficient to provide the income necessary for the proper working of its undertaking and for satisfying its legal obligations. The Minister of Transport has called upon the Authority to furnish statements at 1729 an early date, showing the actual effect of the increases both in cost of working and in revenue.
Mr. GREENWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to indicate the results of the inquiry to the House when they are received? When does he expect the Port of London Authority to supply the necessary information?
§ Mr. NEALCertainly, a statement will be available for Members of the House. The Ministry are pressing the Authority to expedite the information.