HC Deb 28 January 1981 vol 997 c921
19. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, under section 27 of the Transport Act 1962, he will require the British Transport Docks Board to furnish him with information relating to and explaining the reason for its decision to close two dry docks in Southampton; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

No, Sir. This is a commercial decision within the responsibility of the management of the Docks Board.

Mr. Mitchell

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the decision to close the two dry docks in Southampton will put at least 1,000 jobs at risk, and probably many more? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman further aware that without dry docks, ship repairing in Southampton will cease to exist? Does the Under-Secretary realise that since the dry docks were closed at least six ships have been turned away and have probably gone to continental ports for repair? Will the hon. and learned Gentleman get the chairmen of British Shipbuilders and British Transport Docks Board together, and knock their silly heads together so as to get some decision?

Mr. Clarke

Of course I realise that there is great concern in Southampton about the employment problems involved. My hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Mr. Hill) shares that concern. However, the future of ship repairing at Southampton is initially a matter for British Shipbuilders. The British Transport Docks Board is also involved and must use its commercial judgment. It would not be right for the Docks Board to expect other port users to pay for the costs of the dry dock. The chairman of British Shipbuilders and the chairman of the British Transport Docks Board met, I believe, yesterday. Discussions are still going on. They are in the best position to take the commercial judgments required.

Mr. James A. Dunn

Is the Under-Secretary aware that there is general concern about the facilities for ship repairing in the United Kingdom? In those circumstances, does the hon. and learned Gentleman accept that it is not sufficient to leave this issue to the commercial judgments of individual enterprises? Perhaps the time has come for this issue to be submitted to the National Ports Council. A full statement could then be made on the Government's intent.

Mr. Clarke

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry is responsible for the future of ship repairing. I shall ensure that those views are passed on to him.