§ Mr. Mellishasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the shortage of barges in the Surrey Commercial Docks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware that there is a shortage of barges in the Port of London generally, including the Surrey Commercial Docks, but great progress has been made in restoring the heavy wartime losses of barges and I understand that the carrying capacity of the craft in London today is now not less than it was in 1938. New barges are being built as quickly as possible, but there are limitations on the amount of steel which can be made available for this purpose. The present shortage appears to be primarily due, not to any deficiency in the number or capacity of the available barges, but rather to delays in loading and particularly in discharging them.
The problem can only be solved by the whole-hearted co-operation of all concerned, and I am glad to know that the 92W Port Operations Consultative Panel of the Port of London is giving special attention to the problem, and that the lighterage industry is working closely with other port interests and with the shipowners in an endeavour to minimise delays to barges.