§ 69. Mr. James Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport why the Ports Efficiency Committee has not been asked to report on ways of making greater use of the South Wales ports, bearing in mind that shipowners and merchants still neglect them, despite the turn-round given by the dock labour force.
§ Mr. MaclayThe terms of reference of the Committee would by no means exclude matters of this sort. They are directed to securing the quicker turn-round of ships by whatever means may be found most appropriate.
§ Mr. CallaghanAs the terms of reference specifically recommend the committee to look at London and Liverpool, will not the Minister send some of the Liverpool shipowners to South Wales to look at the facilities and the dockers who are waiting there for work, and so get rid of some of the congestion?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the opening words of the terms of reference are:
To investigate the working of the ports of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CallaghanWith special reference to London and Liverpool.
§ Mr. MaclayNo—
and in particular to the ports of London and Liverpool.It is by no means exclusive.
§ Mr. CallaghanBut it does not specifically draw the attention of this committee to the fact that there are unused facilities awaiting South Wales.
§ Mr. MaclayI think the hon. Gentleman is pleading a special case in this field.
§ Mr. CallaghanWhy not?