§ 27. Mr. Gowerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he is aware of the strategic importance of the South Wales Bristol Channel ports of Cardiff, Barry, Newport and Swansea in times of national emergency; and what steps he will take to ensure that none of their essential equipment and installations shall be damaged or destroyed through desuetude during time of peace.
§ Mr. BirchHer Majesty's Government are fully aware of the strategic importance of the South Wales Bristol Channel ports. The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.
§ Mr. GowerAlthough I appreciate that, will my hon. Friend bear in mind that while South Wales generally is prosperous, there is nevertheless genuine anxiety about the future of these ports? Would it not be of importance to my hon. Friend's Department that they should be sustained?
§ Mr. BirchThe word "desuetude" in my hon. Friend's Question is a rather strong one. In fact, trade in the ports in March this year was better than since June, 1940. The main difficulty is the coal trade. Trade apart from coal has, in fact, increased.