§ 41. Mr. Hefferasked the Minister of Transport what talks he had with the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board recently when he visited Merseyside; and what future plans are being prepared for the port.
§ Mr. MarshThe object of my visit to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board was to see something of the port facilities 943 and to meet informally the members of the Board and representatives of the workers in the port. The preparation of future plans for the port is a matter for the Board.
§ Mr. HefferIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is some disquiet amongst workers in the port who believe that some of the work that has been traditionally carried out by the Mersey Docks and Harbours Board is being sublet to private enterprise at a stage just before port nationalisation? Will he take a look at this problem, particularly in relation to dredging, since it appears that the only dredgers able to do the work in the Port of Liverpool at the moment are made in Germany, which seems a serious reflection on the position in this country?
§ Mr. MarshThis point was made to me by some of the men who work in the port. I had to explain to them that I have no powers in this direction in relation to what is still a port outside national control.