§ 22. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Transport when he now proposes to issue a White Paper upon nationalisation of the British ports; and whether he will now issue a Green Paper instead.
§ Mr. MarshI hope to publish a White Paper shortly. A Green Paper would not be appropriate since there has already been extensive consultation on the basis of a working document; this, of course, does not preclude further consultation when the Government's proposals are published.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are some on the benches behind him who feel that his enthusiasm for nationalisation may be waning? Will he deal with that and tell us what the Government's intentions are?
§ Mr. MarshThe Government's intentions are outlined in a number of statements which I have made from this Box, and they are to reorganise the ports industry. My enthusiasm for nationalisation is as always and remains unabated.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineWill the right hon. Gentleman confirm that it is his intention to introduce a Bill for this reorganisation in this Session?
§ Mr. MarshNot in this Session. I understand that time cannot be found for it. It is my intention to introduce a White Paper on the subject in the very near future.
§ Mr. LeadbitterAs my right hon. Friend has already informed the House that there is no likelihood of legislation this Session, what is the haste about a White Paper? Can we not have a Green Paper so that there can be full discussion and so that our worries about the industry can be dissipated, for there seems to have been a shift in ports policy during the past 12 months?
§ Mr. MarshThe urgency arises because there has been uncertainty about this industry for a long time and it ought to be cleared up at the earliest opportunity. There have been extensive consultations. I have no doubt that once the White Paper is published my hon. Friends will find plenty of opportunity to make their comments.