§ 9. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he has yet received the report of the Aberdeen interests which he called together to study the problem of the pontoon docks there; if he will send it to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North; and what action he intends to take on it.
§ Mr. HayThe answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." We will consider the other two points which the hon. and learned Member refers to when the report has been received.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister agree that, when he takes the responsibility of calling these various interests together for the purpose of consultation, he has a responsibility to urge them to get on 1438 quickly? This matter has been dragging on for a long time and is frustrating the solution of problems of industry and employment in Aberdeen. Will he, therefore, get the various interests concerned cracking on the job?
§ Mr. HayThe hon. and learned Gentleman need not be too pessimistic about the lack of progress. The final meeting of the working group is taking place today. The appropriate committee of the British Transport Commission will consider its report on 15th June and the Harbour Board will consider it on 27th June. I think that we had better see those dates past before we go further.