HC Deb 12 January 1977 vol 923 cc1416-7
9. Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the level of competition between ports in the United Kingdom.

Mr. William Rodgers

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Viggers

Does the Secretary of State agree that the main spur to competitive efficiency is the spur of competition and that the best way of ensuring competition is to have the varied ownership of the ports which we have with British Rail and private owners such as Felixstowe, trusts, local authorities and so on? Therefore, will he firmly renounce the Socialist theory of nationalisation of the ports?

Mr. Rodgers

I certainly cannot give the undertaking for which the hon. Gentleman asked in the second part of his question. As he will recognise, ownership is not necessarily the major factor in industrial success. I welcome the extent to which we have competition between our ports. We have a substantial and successful public sector—the British Transport Docks Board—which has a very good record. We should approach this matter in a commonsense way.

Mr. Loyden

Regarding competition between ports, has my right hon. Friend seriously considered the question of the shipping conferences which impose an unfair competitive situation on the port of Liverpool, particularly in regard to the Far East trade? Is he aware that there is apparently no power that this House can use to restrict this unfair competition?

Mr. Rodgers

I certainly take note of what my hon. Friend said. I shall consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade, who is responsible for shipping.