asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when the Report of the Ports and Harbours Tribunal may be expected, and whether, if legisation is found necessary to carry out its findings, he will expedite the introduction of such proposals for legislation.

The Ports and Harbours Tribunal concluded their public sittings on the 30th October. The preparation of a Report on the matters referred to the Tribunal in respect of 26 different harbours must necessarily take a considerable time and I do not expect to receive it for some months.

Until the Report is available and has been considered by the Government it would be premature for me to express any opinion as to when any necessary legislation could be introduced.