HC Deb 08 December 1964 vol 703 cc1312-3
6. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Power what steps he is taking in order to ensure that, in future, facilities for the import of iron ore into South Wales will be considered as a whole.

Mr. John Morris

The National Ports Council is at present studying ore importing facilities in South Wales and will be making recommendations to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. Future planning and action on this matter in the iron and steel industry will be greatly facilitated by the restoration of public ownership over the main part of the industry.

Mr. Webster

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, quite apart from that last shot, it would be totally intolerable if a jetty were built from the Spencer Steelworks at Newport to Bristol Deeps until there is a complete survey of the economic arrangements in South Wales and adequate protection of all amenities on the Somerset coastline?

Mr. Morris

In view of his interest in this matter, the hon. Member should be aware that the National Ports Council is conducting a survey of all the interests concerned and of all the matters concerning South Wales and will be making recommendations to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. I understand that the hon. Gentleman and other hon. Members saw the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport on 25th November about this matter.