§ 44. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Transport how far her recent decision on container facilities at ports 588 precludes the early authorisation of further berths on the South Coast, besides the one at Southampton.
§ Mrs. CastleAny application for my authorisation of such facilities will, of course, be considered, but I am not at present satisfied that the early provision of further container berths in the neighbourhood of Southampton would he economically justified.
§ Mr. DigbyWill the Minister realise that one container berth should be able to handle a tremendous tonnage in one year? Will she bear in mind the importance of the Channel and the South Coast, because this is the approach to Europe?
§ Mrs. CastleYes, Sir. This was very much in our minds when we authorised the container berth at Southampton.