§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any representations from the British Waterways Board concerning the continuation of its direct service by water to the Port of London from its depots at Brentford and Enfield.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1981]: I have received no formal representations from the British Waterways Board.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent steps he has taken to ensure that the lighterage industry continues to provide sufficient and adequate services in the Port of London.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1981]: This is a matter for the lighterage industry.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any objections to the Port of London Authority becoming responsible for the operations of any lighterage company in the Port of London; what answers he has given; and for what reasons.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1981]: My Department received two letters objecting to the possible takeover by the Port of London Authority of a lighterage company. The replies indicated that the authority had approached me about this possibility, but that I had informed it that, in the light of all the relevant factors, including the potential burden on public funds, I would not be prepared to agree to such a proposal.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to ensure the continuation of transport on water by barge and lighter of present services throughout the limits of the Port of London and connecting inland waterways.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1981]: Transport on water by barge and lighter throughout the Port of London will depend on the demand for such services. The provision of these services is of course a matter for the lighterage industry.