HC Deb 20 December 1967 vol 756 cc1262-4
13. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Transport whether she intends to take into public ownership towage and lighterage firms in British docks.

Mr. Swingler

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given on 29th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Alan Lee Williams).—[Vol. 755, c. 122.]

Mr. McNamara

Yes, Sir, but is my hon. Friend aware that I am aware of the implications of that Answer of my right hon. Friend and that I was expecting the legislation to come forward within the lifetime of this Parliament? Is he also aware that it appears nonsensical to people merely to nationalise the docks without taking over these peripheral interests which may milk off much of the profit which we hope this nationalised industry will make?

Mr. Swingler

My hon. Friend will know that, in the working document issued for consultation, the Government made it clear that we intend to take into public ownership everything essential for port operation. We are now engaged in trying to identify which of these things are essential. We are in a considerable process of consultation—[Interruption.] —in spite of what the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Peter Walker), thinks of this matter—and that is why I cannot give a definite answer today.

Sir A. V. Harvey

When the country is just about on its knees with a broken economy, is it not about time that this Government acted in a responsible way by calling a halt to some of these irresponsible measures and putting the country first?

Mr. Swingler

The hon. Member may be surprised to hear—

Sir A. V. Harvey

Nothing surprises me.

Mr. Swingler

—that all those whom we have consulted, including the C.B.I., the Docks and Harbours Association and the Chamber of Shipping, think that it is essential for the Government to proceed to establish a strong planning authority for the ports.

Mr. Peter Walker

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that the C.B.I, has categorically stated that it is opposed to the nationalisation of the ports and docks?

Mr. Swingler

The hon. Member may be aware that the recommendation of the Rochdale Committee, which his Government refused or failed to carry out, has been widely supported in the consultations by these organisations. They all agree that we should proceed and it would require legislation to establish a strong central planning authority for the ports.