HC Deb 12 July 1939 vol 349 cc2224-5
31. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Transport the reasons why the authorities for the ports of Llanelly and Burry Port have not been invited to submit proposals to his Department in connection with port facilities in the event of an emergency; and whether he will give consideration to these two ports and invite the authorities concerned to co-operate in this essential work?

Captain Wallace

There is no intention at present of requiring the authorities concerned to incur expenditure in connection with additional facilities at these two ports, and I do not therefore propose to put them to the trouble of submitting schemes. The hon. Member may rest assured, however, that, in the event of an emergency, both authorities will be invited to co-operate in making such use of these ports as circumstances require.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these local authorities think that they may be excluded because they are the only ports in South Wales which are not owned by the Great Western Railway Company; and, in view of that feeling, will the Minister invite representatives of the authorities to submit proposals?

Captain Wallace

I should like to make it clear that the hon. Member is labouring under a misapprehension. There is no idea of discriminating against these ports. The real fact is that the facilities at both the ports for handling merchant shipping are inadequate, as the maximum draught they can accommodate is only 20 feet. If the ports can be used we shall be delighted to do so, but it does not seem sensible to the Government that, in view of the limited facilities to which I have referred, we should ask the authorities to submit schemes for additional facilities.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman prepared to receive representations on the matter?

Captain Wallace

I am always delighted to receive representations from the hon. Member.

Mr. Jenkins

Is it not a fact that the Minister has been asked to receive a deputation? Is he aware that proposals relating to these and other ports in South Wales have been submitted to the Minister and that he has been asked to receive a deputation to deal with the matter?

Captain Wallace

I was not aware of that, but any time that hon. Members opposite wish to see me I shall be delighted to see them.

Mr. Jenkins

Did I not make the application to the Minister himself, in person?

Captain Wallace

Very likely.