§ 42. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the plans for the improvements in Aberdeen Harbour.
§ Mr. SwinglerPlanning the improvement of Aberdeen Harbour is the responsibility of the Aberdeen Harbour Board, which I will ask them to write to my hon. and learned Friend.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that these harbour improvements have become much more urgent since devaluation, in view of the need to increase exports and the need for better communications with the Continent? Will he give the Harbour Commissioners and other bodies concerned such assistance as he can to enable the work to be completed?
§ Mr. SwinglerI am advised that there are no proposals before us at the moment. My right hon. Friend need only deal with proposals costing more than £500,000. I understand that the Aberdeen authorities are considering a number of improvements which would cost less than this amount and which would, therefore, not be the concern of the Minister. However, if my hon. and learned Friend has particular matters in mind, I trust that he will bring them to our attention, and I assure him that they will be looked into.