Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the National Ports Council concerning the present state of future prospects of the ports industry; and when he expects to bring forward proposals for ports nationalisation.
§ Mr. William RodgersAs I have previously made clear to the House, there can be no question of legislation on the ownership of the ports during the life of the present Parliament. However, whether 197W the ports are in mixed ownership as now or under a single public authority, they must contribute fully towards the industrial strategy and the country's economic growth. The National Ports Council is fully aware of this and I recently asked it, in discussion with the port authorities, the British Ports Association and others concerned, to let me have recommendations on the way in which plans for the strategic future of the ports should be developed.