§ 6. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will introduce legislation to establish a South Wales Docks Board charged under the British Transport Commission with especial concern for the administration and development of the South Wales ports.
§ Mr. NeaveNo, Sir. These ports are already administered as one unit and we do not think there is a good case for legislation.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Minister aware that if they are administered as one unit, they are not administered equally and fairly, and that conditions militate against Cardiff docks? Is he also aware that there appears to be no drive by his Department to ensure that at least the same rates shall be charged in Cardiff as in London and the North?
§ Mr. NeaveI do not accept that a change in administration would make things any better. The position is that the Commissioners are certainly doing their best, and since they were established they have spent a total of £5½ million on improving South Wales ports. It is their policy to maintain them in the highest efficiency. As far as Cardiff is concerned, they have deferred a decision to undertake developments there until they see a greater prospect of an adequate return on the capital.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Minister aware that he is giving the impression that the national dock authority is prepared to wipe out Cardiff as a useful port, and that his last statement will be regarded with dismay by all the people concerned in the Cardiff dock area?
§ Mr. NeaveNo, Sir; I cannot accept that, and I did not say that. I said that the Commissioners had deferred a decision for the reasons I have given.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWill the hon. Gentleman try to explain to the House why it is that the dues at Cardiff docks are much higher than elsewhere, and can he tell us when we are going to have an end to this anomaly?
§ Mr. NeaveWe had a Question on the matter last week, and I am writing to the hon. Member who raised it. If any further details are required, I should like to see a Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.