HC Deb 21 April 1947 vol 436 cc590-1
22. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to improve the navigational aids in the approaches to Southampton.

Mr. Barnes

The restoration of the navigational aids at the Nab Tower, which were reduced to meet war requirements, started last July when the radio beacon then operating was discontinued to allow work to be started on the new beacon. This new beacon will come into operation on 15th May. Work on the reinstallation of better lights and fog signals at the tower has also started and Trinity House are satisfied that, on the com- pletion of this work, the approaches to Southampton will be adequately marked. The Southampton Harbour Board inform me that the navigation aids within the area under their jurisdiction have always been maintained to the satisfaction of the interests represented on the Board, which include the Admiralty, Trinity House and the various shipping interests using the port.

Mr. Erroll

In view of the mishap which occurred to the "Queen Elizabeth" last week, can the Minister say why so much time has been wasted in getting the navigational aids into full working order?

Mr. Barnes

I understand that there is no suggestion that the mishap was due to the causes to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Gammans

Does what the Minister said mean that the aids to navigation are not satisfactory now and that the criticisms which have been made against Southampton are, in fact, justified?

Mr. Barnes

No, it does not mean anything of the kind. If the hon. Member will read my reply carefully, he will see that that is the case.