Container Berths (Seaforth) (Hansard, 19 April 1967)

§ 34. Mr. Alldritt
asked the Minister of Transport whether she has yet decided how many container berths will be provided at Seaforth.

§ Mr. Swingler
The decision on the number of berths will be taken as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the main works can go ahead.

§ Mr. Alldritt
While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, which will be very well received on Merseyside, may I once again ask for this decision to be expedited in view of the importance in the planning stage to know precisely how many container berths will be allowed?

§ Mr. Swingler
Yes, Sir. It is clear that this decision will have to be taken within the next few months. My right hon. Friend was anxious to ensure that nothing should hold up the main planning of this scheme. She therefore announced her approval of the scheme, and the main works will certainly go ahead from now on.

§ Mr. Heffer
Would my hon. Friend say precisely what he means by "the next few months"? Could not this decision be taken within the next six weeks? Is he aware that it is absolutely essential for the development of Merseyside that we be given an early reply? Is my hon. Friend also aware that the interests not only of Merseyside but of the country as a whole are bound up with this matter?

§ Mr. Swingler
This will not in any way hold up the development of the project. The decision about how many container berths there should be, whether there should be a grain terminal and so on, will have to be taken in the next two or three months.