§ 7. Commander Keransasked the Minister of Transport what reports have been made to him by the Docks Board regarding capital expenditure on the widening and improvements to the facilities of Hartlepools docks.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThe Board has informed us that it is investigating a proposal to spend £750,000 on new coal shipping appliances.
§ Commander KeransIn saying that I am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for that reply, may I stress that early action is necessary to improve the port facilities in Hartlepool, where we still have very high unemployment? I trust that, in conjunction with his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, my hon. and gallant Friend will do what he can to help to alleviate the financial desiderata concerned in this vital issue.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWe appreciate that, and the Docks Board hopes to be in a position to seek my right hon. Friend's approval for the expenditure later this year. If so, the work should start in 1965.