104. Mr. Alan Lee Williamsasked the Minister of Transport whether she will make a statement on the future of the Thames lighter-age industry arising from the projected Regional Ports Authority.
§ Mr. CarmichaelIn a working document on ports reorganisation which my right hon. Friend circulated for comments in July, she proposed that, whilst lighter-age and towage undertakings, other than those owned by port authorities, should not be included in the initial scheme of nationalisation, the regional port authorities should have a duty to review lighter-age and towage arrangements and requirements and be empowered to propose 123W the takeover of lighterage and towage assets so far as required for the efficiency of their ports. My right hon. Friend is now considering the comments she has received on these proposals.