3. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a further statement on his plans to nationalise the ports.
Mr. TaylorIn view of our difficult economic situation and the fact that it is almost certain that the present Government will not be in power after the next General Election, would it not be wise 942 to abandon this plan for the nationalisation of the ports?
§ Mr. MarshNo, it would not. The hon. Gentleman's arguments are based, as frequently happens, on a number of false premises. The reorganisation of the ports is regarded as long overdue and is welcomed by many people both inside and outside industry. Indeed, about the only people who still seem unable to understand it are hon. Members opposite.
§ Mr. HefferWill my right hon. Friend take it from me that we on this side of the House believe that we should encourage the nationalisation of the ports at the earliest possible moment? Will not my right hon. Friend also agree that it is utter nonsense for hon. Members on the other side of the House to suggest that there will be a Tory Government after the next election?
§ Mr. MarshI agree with my hon. Friend. The only thing which concerns me is that my hon. Friend still seems to be surprised when hon. Members opposite make these glaring errors. I agree that it is inconceivable that there will be a change of Government.
§ Mrs. EwingWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether his plans will follow the principle of the centralisation of decision making or the principle of the decentralisation of decision making?
§ Mr. MarshThe hon. Lady will find this fully set out in the satements which have been made and in the White Paper. It is not intended that the management of these ports should be centralised.
§ Mr. ManuelOf the number of ports which my right hon. Friend intends to nationalise, could he say how many are privately owned?