Q2. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Prime Minister whether she will propose a Royal Commission to investigate the future of the ports industry.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
Mr. MitchellIs the Prime Minister aware that there is a great deal of uncertainty in the ports industry about what the future holds? Is she further aware that that uncertainty extends not only to those working in the industry but to the many hundreds of thousands who rely for their livelihoods on a succesful ports industry? Does not she think that there is a case for a cool, dispassionate look at the future of the British ports industry?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. There are problems in some of the ports. There would be fewer problems and more prosperity if there were fewer strikes.
§ Mr. AitkenIs my right hon. Friend aware that, far from needing a Royal Commission, many of the Channel ports have already suffered from an exhaustive inquiry by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, which has delayed the merger of the loss-making British Rail hovercraft operation with the succesful private enterprise operation, Hoverlloyd? Now that the Monopolies and Mergers Commission has reported, will she use her influence to ensure that the merger is delayed no further by Government intervention?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall see what I can do. I am anxious that all private enterprise ventures that would create new wealth and new jobs for Britain should be allowed to go ahead as soon as possible.