41. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport what is his policy on the ownership of ports in Great Britain.
§ 36. Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Minister of Transport whether it is still the policy of Her Majesty's Government to proceed with the nationalisation of docks and harbours.
§ Mr. MarshI would refer the hon. Members to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 30th October in the debate on the Address.—[Vol. 772, c. 33.]
Mr. TaylorIf the Minister has decided, as seems to be the case, to abandon his nonsense of nationalisation—at least, this part—would he not say so clearly, so that the industry can go ahead with its plans for development? Would it not be much better, instead of spending millions on port nationalisation, to spend the money on the much needed links to the ports?
§ Mr. MarshAs the hon. Gentleman makes a habit of misunderstanding an answer, let me assure him that there is no question at all of the Government 32 abandoning their proposals for the public ownership of the ports.