asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the harbour commissioners in many of our smaller ports are unable to carry on owing to the cessation of shipping; that some ports are falling into disrepair and will require large sums to put them into proper condition after the war; and whether he will make a grant to harbour commissioners so circumstanced to maintain these ports.

I am aware that the harbour authorities of some of the smaller harbours of purely local importance are in financial difficulties at the present time owing to the practical cessation of trading to these harbours. There are no funds under my control available for the assistance of such undertakings. The general question of the position of these smaller harbours is being considered in connection with the proposals of the Ports and Harbours Tribunal.

Might I ask the Minister if he is aware that in the case of the harbour in which I am principally interested—Westport Harbour—the funds are rapidly becoming exhausted and the harbour is going into decay? A comparatively small sum, if expended at the present time, would prevent that happening, whereas, if the Minister dawdles, a large amount of money will be involved. I am aware that there is only a very small amount of money under the Minister's control for this purpose, but could he not apply for a supplementary grant in a matter of such importance as this, because it is a very important matter?

Was it not the intention of the Minister to try to have something done in this connection by means of the Piers and Harbours Tribunal?

Yes, that is being considered.

But nothing has been decided up to the present?

No.

I realise the Minister's difficulty, but could I have something from him, in the way of a written reply, which would give me more concrete information than the vague kind of thing we have got now?

It is really more a matter for the Minister for Supplies, who is not here at the moment.

When will he be here?

Shortly, I think.