§ 4. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the great increase since the war in the tonnage of export goods handled at British docks, and, in particular, the proportion of such goods arriving by road, he will announce his Department's plans for facilitating the speedier unloading and turn-round of road transport vehicles at the docks.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am always willing to do what I can to help to increase the efficiency of the ports. The arrangements for unloading and turn-round of road transport at the docks are, however, primarily for the port authorities, and I am sure that they are fully aware of the importance of this matter in developing their facilities.
§ Mr. CollinsIs the Minister aware that it is not uncommon for lorry drivers to spend a whole day at London Docks. either discharging or collecting loads, and that very often they spend a day doing neither? Would he investigate this matter, and take some interim measures, with the port authorities, with a view to alleviating this delay, and thus avoid the colossal loss to industry and handicap to exports?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have no reason to disbelieve that the port authorities are not only aware of, but are seeking to deal with, this problem. The hon. Member mentioned the Port of London. In point of fact, 1½miles of new dock roads have recently been built by the Port of London Authority.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIs my right hon Friend aware that there are plenty of ports other than the Port of London which could cope with the traffic, especially in the North-East. and especially in Sunderland?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI know that there are a good many candidates.
§ 5. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he has studied the representations from the Institute of Shipping and Forwarding Agents on the need, in connection with export trade, for the expansion and development of port facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 23rd March.
§ Mr. CollinsIs the Minister aware that that reply was not helpful or conclusive? As it is obvious that his Administration cannot hope to carry through anything extensive, can he give an assurance that plans are being made so as to form a foundation for future improvements?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs I said in reply to the hon. Member's previous Question, I have no reason to doubt either the efficiency or the energy of the relevant port authorities.