HL Deb 19 March 1970 vol 308 cc1298-9

6.5 p.m.

BARONESS LLEWELYNDAVIES OF HASTOE

My Lords, in moving, on behalf of my noble friend, Lord Kennet, that this Order be approved, may I say that it has been examined by the Special Orders Committee of the House who report that it does not raise any matters of policy or of principle; that it is founded on precedent, and that it may be passed by the House without special attention. Unless, therefore, noble Lords have any special points to raise, which of course I will happily try to answer, I will not detain the House further. I beg beg to move.

Moved, That the Docks and Harbours (Valuation) Order 1970, be approved.— (Baroness Llewelyn-Davies of Hastoe.)

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, may I thank the noble Baroness for that brief introduction? This particular Order looks very formidable, but am I right in thinking that in actual fact it applies only to one harbour, and is designed to apply only to one harbour—I gather that the answer is, Yes. May I ask the noble Baroness whether she really thinks that 7.5 per cent. of the relevant receipts will be anything like the normal rate charge? It seems to me to be formidable indeed. I hope it will not be taken as any kind of precedent. I should think there are few docks and harbours making that as profit on their turnover. A rate of 7½ per cent. seems very formidable.

BARONESS LLEWELYNDAVIES OF HASTOE

My Lords, this has been agreed by all the people concerned—the local authorities, the ports side, the Steel Corporation and so on. I agree with the noble Lord that it looks very formidable, but in fact one has to pick something for this one year, as it will be, that would look reasonable alongside the other assessments which it has to live with before the new formula comes out, which my right honourable friend hopes will be in 1971.

On Question, Motion agreed to.