HC Deb 25 March 1964 vol 692 cc464-5
39. Commander Kerans

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now approved the plans for the modernisation of the coaling staithes in the port of Hartlepool.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

The British Transport Docks Board is still in discussion with the National Coal Board on the volume of coal likely to be shipped through the Hartlepools in the future. In consequence the plan for the modernisation of the coaling staithes has not yet been submitted to my right hon. Friend.

Commander Kerans

This was brought to the attention of the then noble Lord more than a year ago when he came to the North-East, when it was said that this was one of the items which would help to improve the port and thus increase communications and attract industry to the area. Why has nothing been done for so long?

Mr. Galbraith

My hon. and gallant Friend probably knows that the Docks Board has done a great deal of preparatory work on this, but before it can come to a final decision, it must know what the Coal Board's requirements are, and the Coal Board is now estimating the extent of its future shipment requirements throughout the whole of the North-East.

40. Commander Kerans

asked the Minister of Transport what plans the Docks Board has submitted to him for the future development of the port of Hartlepool.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

I am advised that, apart from the scheme for new coal shipment facilities the Board has no plans at present for major developments.

Commander Kerans

Is it not high time that it did? Not so long ago it was turning away ships from the port because it did not have sufficient alongside berths or deep-water berths for unloading timber. Will my hon. Friend look into this again as a matter of urgency?

Mr. Galbraith

The Docks Board is looking into this, but it considers that present facilities are generally adequate for the immediate future, with the exception of the coal facilities which I have mentioned.

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