§ 47. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make a statement on the possibility of establishing a free port in Great Britain; and whether he will consider adopting one of the South Wales ports, in view of their convenient situation and the necessity of augmenting trade and industry in this area.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has now examined this question very carefully with my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Transport. Their conclusion is that a free port system offers no advantages over the existing Customs facilities which 681 are available in our ports, and that it would not assist either our foreign trade or industrial development.
§ Mr. FreemanCan the hon. Gentleman say whether he has consulted the South Wales shippers and others concerned, and if that is also their opinion?
Mr. Glenvil HaltI can assure my hon. Friend that the shipping interests as well as other commercial interests and the men's representatives have all been consulted, and there has been a good deal of opposition to the suggestion.