§ 16. Mr. Berryasked the Minister of Transport (1) how many prosecutions received from local interests in the Milford Haven Area regarding the Government's impending legislation on the reorganisation of the ports; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. MulleyThe Milford Haven Conservancy Board, the oil companies, Swansea Chamber of Commerce and a number of local authorities, represented that Milford Haven should be excluded from the reorganisation; some have asked that if it is to be included it should be put under a separate port board. One expressed the fear that oil dues would be used to cross-subsidise other ports. I have replied that while Milford Haven is clearly within the takeover class, nevertheless I would give careful consideration to the views expressed. In particular, I can repeat the assurances previously given on cross-subsidisation.
§ Mr. BerryI am grateful to the Minister for his statement that he will reconsider this. Does he agree that this is one of the great harbours of the world because of its deep water? As it is carrying out this task of importing oil which is vital to our economy, it should be left undisturbed by threats of nationalisation, even when disguised as reorganisation.
§ Mr. MulleyIt is because I regard it as a major port that it is included in the reorganisation. If the hon. Gentleman studies the Bill, he will note that we are not proposing to take over the oil installations, because they have a through transport facility; but the harbour must be classed as a major one.
§ Mr. Roy HughesDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that the success of the South Wales ports stems from the fact that they are organised as a group, and that Milford Haven could gain from the point of view of profitability and efficiency if it was integrated with the other ports in South Wales?
§ Mr. MulleyI think that that question will fall to be considered later, because it will be the responsibility of the 221 National Ports Authority to make arrangements for the respective ports.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the consistency of the White Paper depends on leaving Milford as a user port out of the National Ports Authority? Would he further agree that there is only one justification for including Milford, and that is that it would turn the Bill into a Hybrid Bill if it were left out, with the complication of getting the Bill through which would ensue from that?
§ Mr. MulleyI do not think that it is for the Minister to deal with the highly technical question what is or is not a hybrid Bill. Certainly I should not feel competent to do so.