§ 39. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the uncertainty created by the Rochdale Committee's report on docks referring to the closing of Barry Docks is preventing industrialists, who desire to do so, from extending their premises and is stopping others from considering, the establishment of new industries in the port; and if he will take steps to prevent any further deterioration in the position by giving an assurance that it is not his intention to close this port.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a Question on this subject by the hon. Member for Barry (Mr. Gower) on 7th November, 1962, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the town in which I live depends mainly upon its docks? The local authority is responsible for the town but was not consulted in any way by the Rochdale Committee. Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Rochdale Report has already damaged the town's trade? People will not come in with new industries, nor will those already there expand because of the threat of the Report. Will he give urgent consideration to this so that all the people concerned there can get on with their jobs?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThe Government have invited comments of representatives of the bodies concerned. Not all are available yet, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government will form their conclusions on the recommendations of the Report as soon as possible and hope to make a statement thereafter.
§ Mr. GowerIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that, in the last year or two, tremendous progress has been made 377 in establishing new industries near the docks at Barry? Is he further aware that the mere publication of this Report, even if it is never implemented, is having a very serious effect on the plans of those industrialists who wish to expand? Will he therefore please, at an early date, say that this Report will not be impdcmcnted?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI am aware of these factors. It is for this reason that I will give the future of Barry the earliest practicable consideration after the Government have reached their decision on the Report's main proposals.
§ Mr. PopplewellIn view of the great importance of the Report to all the ports of the country, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman try to expedite the Government's decision? Does he appreciate that it is important that a decision should be reached before the Minister sets up the new Docks Board under the Transport Act, 1962, for it would appear that, if the Minister follows the Committee's recommendations, there will be no necessity for that Docks Board to be appointed?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI appreciate the point put by the hon. Gentleman, and we are alive to the need for speed. We asked for observations from the interested parties by the end of last month, but they asked for an extension to the end of this month. Our intention is to give our decision on the main proposals at the earliest possible date.