HC Deb 11 April 1962 vol 657 cc1327-8
32. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to receive the Report of the Rochdale Committee on the Docks of the United Kingdom.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

During the summer.

Mr. Gower

In view of the difficulties which have arisen from the over-concentration of shipping in the Port of London and on Merseyside and as there are other excellently equipped ports in many parts of the United Kingdom, including South Wales, whose capacity is not at present being fully employed, does my hon. and gallant Friend agree that it is most desirable that the Report should be available as soon as possible?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Yes, we entirely agree about that. We want to get the Report as soon as possible, but I cannot anticipate what the Committee's Report will be?

Mr. Mellish

Has the Committee finished taking evidence?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Not quite.

Mr. Jeger

Is the Rochdale Committee finishing in the summer with the major ports and then going on to the minor ports, or will it complete its work altogether when the Report is published in the summer? What is the intention?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

The Committee intends to issue only one Report. We shall have to see what that Report is before we decide whether there should be another investigation.

Mr. Gower

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give an assurance that there will be no invidious distinctions between major and minor ports?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

There again, we shall have to wait and see what the Report says.