§ 88. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the difficulties experienced last autumn in discharging timber in Cardiff Docks as well as in other timber ports; what reply he has made to the memorandum about this situation sent to him by the Timber Trades Federation regarding charges and the division of responsibility for railway operation within the docks; and if the Nationalised Transport Advisory Council will make an early investigation.
§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport what reply he has sent to representations made to him by the Timber Trade Federation on the increases ranging from 120 per cent. to 670 per cent. in the railway haulage rates at leading ports; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesI have sent the right hon. Member and my hon. Friend a copy of my reply to the Federation. I have pointed out that their representations relate to matters of management. Charges, and railway haulage rates in particular, are the responsibility of the British Railways Board. But in view of the appeal made to me, I have drawn the attention of the Chairmen of the Railways Board and the Docks Board to the Federation's representations and have suggested that they might like to consider joint discussions with the Federation. I believe these problems can be tackled more satisfactorily by such discussions than through an investigation by the Nationalised Transport Advisory Council.
I am aware that delays to timber ships occurred last autumn owing to the bunching of arrivals due to the late start of the Baltic season. The problems of railway operations are being considered by the two Boards.