§ 6. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Power what representations he has received from the oil industry objecting to the Government's proposals for nationalising the ports; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. FreesonQuite a number, and the Ministry of Transport will shortly reply to them in detail.
§ Mr. RidleyAs one of the principal customers of the ports has objected to the scheme for nationalisation because it will make charges much more expensive, will the Minister have a word with the Minister of Transport and suggest that he drop this ridiculous scheme?
§ Mr. FreesonThis is a matter which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport will be replying to. Questions on this matter should be directed to him.
§ 16. Mr. Emeryasked the Minister of Power what is the estimated percentage of the volume of imported oil products which will pass through ports due for nationalisation under the Bill proposing a National Ports Authority; and whether he will consult with the Minister of Transport to ensure that adequate provision is made for such imports.
§ Mr. FreesonOver 95 per cent. of United Kingdom crude oil and product imports pass through ports which are due to be reorganised under the National Ports Authority. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is well aware of the importance of such imports.
§ Mr. EmeryDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that the industry is seriously considering using ports which are not in this area, and will he give an undertaking that the Minister of Transport will not extend the scheme if the oil industries decide that it is better to use a private enterprise port rather than a nationalised one?
§ Mr. FreesonI hope that the hon. Gentleman is not using an occasion such as this to introduce threats against my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. I suggest that he direct his attention and his Questions to that Minister