§ 25 and 26. Mr. William Palingasked the Minister of Transport (1) what steps he is taking to facilitate the unloading of transport lorries at the various dockyards; and is he aware that the delay in unloading is holding up the transport of export goods;
(2) if he is aware that transport organisations are contemplating increasing their charges because of the delay in the unloading of lorries at the docks; and what action he intends to prevent such increases having a serious effect upon the woollen export trade.
§ Mr. BarnesA Working Party is investigating the position at Liverpool and Birkenhead. Difficulties have occurred from time to time in unloading lorries at other docks but I am not aware of any serious delays at the present time. Increases in road haulage charges do not require my authority but it is open to any person upon whom such a charge falls to challenge it under the Road Haulage and Hire (Charges) Orders.
§ 28. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to augment the storage area facilities and other overdue improvements at Newport docks by the provision of new sheds, the erection of electric cranes particularly for iron ore and other necessary requirements including the removal of the bottleneck between the main North and South docks for the effective dealing with the increasing imports and exports now developing.
§ Mr. BarnesThese are matters for consideration by the British Transport Commission and I am bringing my hon. Friend's Question to their attention.