HC Deb 18 May 1960 vol 623 cc1276-7
33. Mr. Jeger

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission that all repairs and lengthening work on its river craft shall be done in its own workshops and shipyards.

Mr. Marples

No, Sir. I understand that it is the normal practice of the British Transport Commission to undertake this sort of work in its own workshops.

Mr. Jeger

Would the right hon. Gentleman ask the British Transport Commission to keep a close watch on this, as it is alleged in the Goole area that work of this kind is being given out to contractors who are doing it on overtime while there are threats of redundancy to B.T.C people in its own workshops?

Mr. Marples

British Waterways gave some contracts to outside contractors when their own workshops were full. I will see that they get the gist of the hon. Member's Question.