§ 12. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport what negotiations have now taken place between his Department and the ports of Bristol and Newport, arising out of the Rochdale Report; and if he will give an assurance that no changes in the function of these two ports will take place until these negotiations are completed.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThe Answer to the first part of the Question is "None, Sir"; such discussions would be premature before we receive the views of the National Ports Council on the issues involved.
On the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend to a similar Question by him on 18th December.
§ Mr. AwberyMay I ask the Minister whether he is aware that for more than a century the port of Bristol has been owned and controlled by the local authority? It is the only municipally-owned port in the country, and the local authority is therefore very much concerned about the future of the port. The suggestion in the Rochdale Committee's Report is that it should merge with Newport. Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that the Advisory Committee to be set up by the Rochdale Committee will fully consult both Bristol and Newport before any definite action is taken on this matter?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI understand—in fact I have no doubt—that the Council is in touch on these matters both with the Port of Bristol Authority and with the British Transport Docks Board, which is the docks authority for Newport. I think that it 1285 would be premature to say more until we receive the Report of the Council, but I hope that it will not be too long before we are in a position to make a statement.