asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has considered the advisability of having uniform control of the smaller harbours to which the Harbours Act, 1946, does not apply; and, if not, whether he will consider the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Small Harbours.
Mr. Corish
The Ports and Harbours Tribunal recommended that small harbours should be administered by the local authorities, who have staffs experienced in management and engineering. The public harbours to which the Harbours Act does not apply are, with the exception of the railway - owned harbours, controlled either by the Commissioners of Public Works or by the appropriate local authority. The rates chargeable at these harbours are subject to my control under the Harbours (Regulation of Rates) Act, 1934. Machinery is provided in the Bill whereby a harbour authority can subsequently be brought within the scope of the legislation, if such course is considered desirable. I do not consider that there is a need for any greater uniformity of control.