§ 12. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what recent consideration he has given to the recommendations of the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire in January. 1955, that he should ask the British Transport Commission to undertake an urgent and exhaustive review of the level and content of rates for port traffics, with special reference to the anomalous position of the South Wales ports.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe British Transport Commission has given most careful consideration to these recommendations. British Railways, under its new charges scheme, is prepared to receive sympathetically any request from traders for an economic rate for goods regularly shipped through South Wales ports.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the fact that it is now three years since these recommendations were made, is not it disappointing that no visible improvement has been made by those responsible for the docks in the rates charged? It seems to those concerned in Cardiff that nothing has been done in this matter.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAll I can say is that the facts are as I have stated them and that British Railways will do their very best to meet any requests from traders who want to get an economic rate through South Wales ports.
§ Mr. GowerDoes my right hon. Friend recall that three years ago the Chairman of the British Transport Commission, Sir Brian Robertson, said in a speech at Cardiff that at an early date he was certain the ports of South Wales would be placed on what he described as an equal footing with other ports in the British Isles? Is my right hon. Friend aware that so far the resistance in London and on Merseyside has made that impossible, and will he use his own influence to speed this up?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am not aware of that, but if my hon. Friend would like to send me any details I will gladly look at them.
§ 13. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made since April, 1957, with regard to the proposals for ship-owners to accept responsibility for certain dock charges at South Wales; and if he will make a statement with particular reference to Cardiff.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Airey Neave)I understand that there have been no new developments in this matter which, as my right hon. Friend indicated in reply to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 11th April, 1957, is one to be pursued directly by the interests concerned.
§ Mr. ThomasBut in view of the great importance to the port of Cardiff of some move in this direction, will not the Minister himself make a move in connection with these shipowners? Is he aware that much lower rates are charged for Merseyside and London than are charged by the same shipowners at Cardiff? Will he try to get them to make some effort towards helping the port?
§ Mr. NeaveI know that the hon. Gentleman's point is one of some importance. I have been in touch with the Industrial Association of Wales and Monmouthshire, which is in touch with the shipping interests concerned. They are having a further meeting of their committee on 13th June, and I will get into touch with the hon. Gentleman about it.