Modernisation Of U.K. Docks Urged

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30769, 5 June 1965, Page 15

Modernisation Of U.K. Docks Urged

(N.Z. P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, June 4. British ports—often accused of hampering the country’s overseas trade by their strikes and antiquated equip-ment-will be using fully automatic cargohandling machinery by 1970, said Sir Arthur Kirby, chairman of the British Transport Docks Board.

Sir Arthur Kirby, whose board is responsible for State-owned ports handling a third of Britain’s sea trade, said: "We shall see the beginning of push-button handling in five years’ time and in 10 years’ time we shall see quite a high proportion of the long sea trades being handled almost completely mechanised.” The board’s annual report for 1964 criticised Britain’s docks as incapable of handling cargo efficiently by present methods. The board said the reorganisation of dock labour

was essential to greater efficiency. This year labour disputes in various ports, particularly London, have resulted in shipping delays and the piling up of cargoes, which have hit Britain’s export drive. The board suggested that speedier traffic would be possible if cargoes were assembled in industrial centres before being taken to quaysides.