British Transport Docks Board

HC Deb 05 March 1980 vol 980 cc258-9W

Mr. Moate

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the future of the British Transport Docks Board.

Mr. Fowler

Over the last few years the financial and managerial performance of the British Transport Docks Board has been very satisfactory. But I think it desirable to find ways of reducing the Government's financial involvement in the board's affairs and of giving the board more freedom from Government control. This would not involve splitting up the organisation. I have therefore asked the chairman to explore possible ways of introducing private capital into the undertaking and to let me have a report as soon as possible. Before doing so he will be having full discussions with the trade unions and others concerned.