§ 71. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport if the British Transport Commission has sought his approval under Section 4 (2) of the Transport Act, 1947, to embark upon a large capital expenditure on the docks at Port Talbot, that would have the effect of duplicating facilities that already exist and are not fully used in other South Wales ports; and, in view of the anxieties felt among the port interests in South Wales, if he will withhold his consent until he has reported fully to Parliament upon the matter.
§ Mr. MarplesThe British Transport Commission has not sought my authorisation for any new major items of capital expenditure during 1960 for the development of any of the South Wales ports. The Commission informs me that it is still studying a scheme of works for Port Talbot for which Parliamentary powers would have to be obtained.
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§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport what capital expenditure on docks development he has authorised for Newport, Barry, Port Talbot, Swansea, and Cardiff, respectively, during 1960; and what policy decision has been taken concerning the future of Cardiff docks;
§ Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Transport what new capital development he has authorised for the port of Barry, and for each of the other British Transport docks in South Wales, during 1960.
§ Mr. MarplesI would refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friend to the Answer I have today given to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan). As regards the future of Cardiff docks, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on 18th November, 1959, to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East.
§ Mr. Boxasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for increasing the facilities for importation of iron ore at Cardiff docks.
§ Mr. MarplesThe British Transport Commission says that it considers the facilities for handling iron ore at Cardiff docks are adequate, and that it has no plans for increasing them at present.