HC Deb 19 March 1958 vol 584 c1263
37. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many of our ports in this country have a depth of over 45 feet over the entrance sill which are capable of taking 60,000-ton tankers now in commission or under construction; and what steps are being taken to modernise them so that the choice of ports for tankers will be broadened.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Airey Neave)

There are no enclosed docks with a depth of more than 45 feet over the entrance sill, but in six ports the depth of water is sufficient for tankers of 60,000 deadweight tons. Dredging is to be carried out in a further three ports to provide berths for such ships. Other schemes are being investigated by the oil industry and the port authorities concerned.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that we are falling far behind in our port accommodation and that there are at present on the stocks six ships of 100,000 tons that cannot be accommodated in any port in this country? Will he review the whole position as far as our ports are concerned, and especially the accommodation necessary for the ships now on the stocks?

Mr. Neave

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that, as I think he already knows, among the six ports which I have mentioned are Milford Haven, where berths are being provided for four tankers of 100,000 tons, and Finnart, on the Clyde, where there is to be one.

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