HC Deb 03 November 1976 vol 918 c589W
Mr. Loveridge

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if it is his policy to encourage the greater use of lighters on the River Thames as a means of carrying freight wherever possible; and, if so, what proposals he has made to the lighterage trade to help them achieve this.

Mr. William Rodgers

I think the lighterage trade itself is the best judge of how to compete successfully for traffic.