HC Deb 23 October 1950 vol 478 cc2466-7
15. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the stevedore machinery at Immingham is largely out of date and frequently breaks down, causing loss of trade to the port and unemployment in the district; and what plans he has for modernising the equipment and making greater use of this deep sea port.

Mr. Barnes

I understand that the only stevedoring machinery in the port of Immingham is that provided by the British Transport Commission. Any necessary modernisation of such equipment and the development of the port are matters for them.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that there has been no new machinery in that dock for years, that the dockers are very dissatisfied because they feel that money is being spent at other ports. while nothing is being spent there, and that they wonder if it is the policy of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to freeze out this port altogether?

Mr. Barnes

The Ministry are not responsible for any machinery which the hon. Member claims is out-of-date and obsolete, but I am informed that trade is not being diverted because of any circumstances of that kind.

Mr. H. Hynd

Can my right hon. Friend say how much compensation was paid for this out-of-date and obsolete machinery?

Mr. Barnes

No, Sir, I cannot. That was settled in a global calculation.

Mr. Osborne

Would not the Minister agree, since the dockers there feel they are not getting a square deal, that he is now responsible?

Mr. Barnes

I am not responsible. It is a matter for the B.T.C.