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I think it is clear that we should do all we can to
provide the Govr: with the experts he wishes to have.
k. As to the procedure to effect this, I feel that I
am not competent to advise.
The Ministry of Shipping is, I gather, principally
an ad hoc administration, concerned with war effort?
I doubt therefore if we would get much light or
leading from them.
Nor do I think that we should rely exclusively on the
C.Ags:. The primary point here is " administration"
and general port policy; engineering is subsidiary.
There might also--in view of the opinions expressed,
and the obvious probabilities as regards local views--
be difficulties later if experts were chosen on the
sole advice of the C.Ags:?
3. While I repeat that I do not feel competent to
advise as regards this question of procedure, it occurs
to me that the most likely source of really first-class
information and guidance is perhaps the Port of London
#1
Authority?. One wants weight" behind any recommendations
which may be made, for obvious local reasons.
4. I would therefore consult the B of Trade, suggesting
that the PA might perhaps be in a position to
assist in this matter. I see no objection to consulting
the C Ags: also. If the Ministry of Shipping is in
fact, technically, the proper governmental authority
to consult, I would substitute them for the B of Trade.
The 4th: anuary, 1940.
In normal times
theB.
4/140
this
aquation of hand was be for the Mercantile Karine Dept. of the B. of Trade, but that hass been totally absorbed by the think of Shipping, &, as the previous minutu day, that kint may findit difficult