HC Deb 29 November 1967 vol 755 cc122-3W
104. Mr. Alan Lee Williams

asked 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. Carmichael

In 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 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.

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