HC Deb 11 March 1969 vol 779 cc1156-7
24. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give the number, size and type of dredgers owned by his Department; and where they are operating.

Mr. Mellish

My Department owns two bucket dredgers and nine grab dredgers of various sizes. Eight of these craft operate in the United Kingdom and three overseas. Full details—which are too lengthy to enumerate—will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Costain

Does the Minister appreciate the joy with which his Answer will be received by the House? Does he admit that this is one of the least-known activities of his Ministry? Is his Ministry doing any research on dredging?

Mr. Mellish

I do not know about that. As far as I know, I have more ships than most admirals. I have eight dredgers stationed in the United Kingdom and three dumb pontoon dredgers stationed

Length (in ft.) Capacity (cubic yards per hour) Name or identification Type Location
265 750 St. Albans … Self-propelled chain bucket hopper dredger United Kingdom
195 865 St. Ives … Self-propelled chain bucket dredger United Kingdom
175 400 St. Giles … Self-propelled double grab hopper dredger United Kingdom
137 200 St. Martin … Self-propelled single grab hopper dredger United Kingdom
168 400 Servitor … Self-propelled double grab hopper dredge United Kidgdom
70 200 W.11 … Dumb Pontoon grab dredger Singapore
70 200 W.12 … Dumb Pontoon grab dredger Malta
70 200 W.14 … Dumb Pontoon grab dredger United Kingdom
70 200 W.15 … Dumb Pontoon grab dredger Gibraltar
70 200 W.17 … Dumb Pontoon grab dredger United Kingdom
61 200 W.20 … Dumb Pontoon grab dredger United Kingdom