§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he is satisfied that after the closure of the Grimsby marine office the ports of (a) Boston, in view of its location considerably south of Hull, and (b) Immingham, in view of its size, will be satisfactorily served by Hull; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what are his intentions regarding the future of the staff of the Grimsby marine office, due to close on 2 October.;
(3) if he will publish details in the Official Report of the cost of closing down the Grimsby marine office on 2 October;
(4) what were the reasons for the choice of 2 October as the date to close the Grimsby marine office;
(5) what representations he has received from industry in general, arid the fishing industry in particular, concerning the closure of the marine office in Grimsby.
§ Mr. EyreWith effect from 2 October 1981 the Department's marine survey and mercantile marine offices in Grimsby will be closed and their functions transferred to the marine district office in Hull: the fishing vessel office will, however, be retained in Grimsby. The opening of the Humber bridge, the need to notify the industry and management considerations influenced the timing of the closure. It is my Department's intention to continue to provide a satisfactory service on marine safety matters throughout the East of England marine district, which includes the ports of Boston and Immingham. My Department has very carefully considered representations from the industry and other interested parties but the proposed transfer of functions to Hull is part of a necessary general reorganisation and rationalisation of survey and mercantile marine offices throughout the United Kingdom which is expected to result in more effective use of resources and overall savings in costs. The position of the staff in Grimsby affected by the closures is under consideration.