§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Transport whether since the Port of London Authority reduced its dock dues by 10 per cent. any other ports have made similar reductions; if so, which ports are they; and what is the percentage of the reduction in each case?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI presume that the hon. Member refers to the reductions, amounting to 10 per cent. and upwards, which the Port of London Authority made in their export rates applicable to certain classes of goods as from 1st May last. Dock charges generally are subject to maximum rates specified in Private Acts or Orders and the authorities concerned are free to vary their charges within these limits. I am not, therefore, in a position to furnish the information desired by the hon. Member.
§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that shipowners consider that British ports are handicapped, in comparison with Continental ports, by higher charges and slower despatch; and whether he will set up a Committee to inquire into this?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI understand that the matter to which the hon. Member244W refers has in recent years been the subject of investigations by Committees appointed by the Chamber of Shipping, in conjunction with the Association of the British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of British Industries and by the Traders' Co-ordinating Committee on Dock Charges. These Committees reported in 1924 and 1926 respectively, and their findings have no doubt received the careful consideration of the dock authorities and others concerned. In the circumstances I see no sufficient ground for instituting a special inquiry into the matter.