HL Deb 17 December 1959 vol 220 cc524-6
VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what prospects there are for an increase in coal shipments through Ayr harbour.]

THE PAYMASTER GENERAL (LORD MILLS)

My Lords, in view of the high level of stocks in their East Midlands division, the National Coal Board recently decided to increase the rate of supply of East Midlands coals to Northern Ireland by about 200,000 tons a year, in place of part of the supplies previously made through Ayr. The question of the return of the trade to Ayr will not be overlooked by the Board, and should the demand for East Midlands coal increase so as to bring about a substantial reduction in the stocks at present held in that division, the Board would certainly consider increasing its shipments to Northern Ireland through Ayr. Meanwhile 600,000 tons a year will continue to be shipped through this port.

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. Could he tell me whether it is true that, following a recommendation from the National Coal Board some five or six years ago that there was to be a large increase in the coal trade through Ayr, the British Transport Commission, which runs Ayr Harbour, spent something like £200,000 in bringing up to date and improving its coal-handling equipment. Further, if this is so, can the noble Lord see any prospect of this money having been well spent?

LORD MILLS

My Lords, I find some difficulty in answering the noble Viscount's question as to what happened five or six years ago, but I believe that money spent on harbours is never badly spent; and I am hopeful that, as our economy expands, use will be found for this harbour.

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

My Lords, once again I thank the noble Lord. May I ask what extra cost would be involved in taking the 200,000 tons of coal from the East Midlands to Northern Ireland via Liverpool as compared with the cost of taking the same amount of coal through Ayr?

LORD MILLS

Perhaps the noble Viscount would be good enough to give me notice of that question.

LORD REA

My Lords, not looking back five or six years, but looking forward the same amount of time, would the noble Lord consider whether some of this quantity of coal for Northern Ireland could be shipped through the Cumberland ports of Maryport and Workington?

LORD MILLS

My Lords, I will certainly invite the National Coal Board to look into that possibility.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, as my noble friend is of the opinion that money spent on harbours is never money badly spent, would he look into the question of dredging at the port of Padstow?

LORD MILLS

My Lords, I am always willing to look into any questions. I have a great affection for the port of Padstow, where I have spent some most enjoyable holidays.