HC Deb 29 March 1961 vol 637 cc1335-7
40. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the widespread concern in industry at the delays in the movement of cargoes through British ports; and what action he proposes to take to improve the position.

Mr. Marples

Yes, Sir. I have decided to set up a small Committee with the following terms of reference: To consider to what extent the major docks and harbours of Great Britain are adequate to meet present and future national needs; whether the methods of working can be improved; and to make recommendations". I am glad to say that Lord Rochdale has agreed to act as chairman. My invitation to Lord Rochdale was made with the full agreement of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. Lord Rochdale has assured him that this new assignment, which is of course of great interest and concern to the Board of Trade, should not interfere with his work as chairman of the Cotton Board. The Government recognises that the Board has before it at the present time some very important matters concerning the future of the industry and its relations with Commonwealth countries.

Mr. Wilson

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he can give any indication of how soon he expects to have a report on this matter in view of its urgency?

Mr. Marples

I do not know how soon. The report will be a matter for the Committee, but I hope to complete the membership of the Committee in a matter of weeks and they will start work almost immediately.

Mr. Mellish

Will the right hon. Gentleman be a little more specific about the terms of reference? Is it a Committee that will look entirely at the installation side of the docks and harbours, or will it be an all-embracing committee which will look at the whole problem? May we be quite clear where we stand?

Mr. Marples

The terms of reference are extremely wide. The Committee can look at almost anything from management to the labour side, at equipment and finance. It will be an all-embracing inquiry into the efficiency of the ports, and, especially in view of our desire to increase exports, it is most desirable that a committee of this sort should sit and inquire.

Mr. Mellish

Will the Minister give an assurance that at least one of those on the Committee will be a trade union member?

Mr. Marples

I intend to have a dispassionate committee without a representative of the employers and without a representative of the unions, but which can take evidence, and the question of the setting up of this Committee has been cleared both with the unions and with the ports concerned.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Will my right hon. Friend also see that there is an efficiency expert on the Committee to see whether the number of fork-lift trucks in these ports is sufficient for modern up-to-date ports?

Mr. Marples

When my hon. Friend sees the composition of the Committee he will be satisfied in that respect.

Back to