§ 12. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many of our ports are equipped with tank cleaning and oil separating plant which specialises in the cleaning of sea-going tankers and ballast tanks; and, in view of the rapidly expanding oil trade, what steps are being taken to construct such plants in our ports which handle such cargoes so that they can compete with Continental ports.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Airey Neave)Practically all our ports used regularly by ocean-going tankers have facilities of this kind provided by the interests concerned. These interests, particularly the port authorities and ship repairers, are well aware of the need to provide the facilities on a competitive basis.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that my information is that the full equipment is not available in many of our large ports? Is he also aware that oil tankers are developing much faster than dry cargo-carrying vessels and that we want to maintain our marine supremacy? Will he ensure that each of our ports has the equipment necessary to deal with oil tankers?
§ Mr. NeaveI repeat—and I think that the hon. Gentleman knows it well—that the repair facilities are provided on a commercial basis. I have a complete list of all the ports and facilities available which I will send to the hon. Member.