HC Deb 03 March 1952 vol 497 cc15-6
2. Mr. Steward

asked the Minister of Transport to increase the mechanisation of the docks, in view of the slow turn-round of shipping which is hampering the export drive.

21. Captain Robert Ryder

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the need to speed up the turn-round of shipping in United Kingdom ports; and what action he is taking to effect an improvement in this vital matter.

22. Mr. George Jeger

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in improving the turn-round of shipping in British ports since the report of the Working Party.

Mr. Maclay

The introduction of mechanised methods into dock working is primarily a matter for the undertakings concerned. The recommendations of the Working Party on the Turn-round of Shipping in United Kingdom Ports have been brought to the notice of the Dock and Harbour Authorities and the other interests concerned and have been followed up by my Department. I am not satisfied with the improvement achieved, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Co-ordination of Transport, Fuel and Power and I are giving this matter our urgent consideration.

Mr. Steward

What is being done to get the co-operation of dockers and lightermen in the use of the latest mechanical appliances in port work?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Member will realise that there have been a great many discussions on this question all over the country and that these are still being pursued.

Mr. George Jeger

Is the Minister aware that my Question is not concerned principally with mechanisation but with improving the turn-round of shipping, and that this is a matter of manpower as much as mechanisation? Is he further aware that in Goole, the port which I have the honour to represent, there is no shortage of mechanical appliances but there is a shortage of the requisite labour for manning those appliances?

Mr. Maclay

I would prefer to bring Goole to the attention of the Transport Commission.

Captain Ryder

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that unless there is a rapid improvement in this matter, there is a great danger that the valuable entrepôt trade in the Port of London will be diverted to the Continental ports?

Mr. Maclay

My right hon. Friend and I are extremely concerned to improve the turn-round of shipping in British ports.