Portbury Dock Scheme

HC Deb 12 July 1967 vol 750 c818

31. Mr. Ellis

asked the Minister of Transport if she will now announce her decision on the Portbury Dock scheme.

Mrs. Castle

The National Ports Council hope to complete their consideration of the project in the next few weeks, and I will reach my decision as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Ellis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been considerable speculation in Bristol that the decision has already been reached and that it is a negative one? Could she again say firmly that a decision has not been reached and when it is likely to be announced?

Mrs. Castle

I can certainly confirm most emphatically that a decision has not yet been reached. In fact, the National Ports Council is still considering its views and will make them available to me very shortly, and I shall then have to consider them. I shall make every effort to announce my decision next month.