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· 11.
(d) With the utmost deference the Committee expresses the
opinion that the facts stated in Sir David Owen's report do not
warrant the conclusion that the existing form of Government
control of the Port has resulted in any such failure in administration
or inadequacy of facilities as would justify the establishment of
control by some form of Port Authority or Trust.
(e) Sir David recommends the formation of a Port Trust to
"control" the Port while leaving the "operation" in the hands of
private enterprise.
He suggests that the constitution of the proposed Trust should
be three Government officials of high standing, three British
subjects connected with the trade of the Port nominated by the
General Chamber of Commerce, and one independent person of business
experience and, if possible, with a knowledge of Port affairs to be
appointed as Chairman on the nomination of the other members of
the Trust.
(f)
He proposes that the Trust should have control over the
following matters:
(1) Leasing or letting of piers;
(ii) Construction of new piers as and when necessary
and the charges therefor;
(iii) Lights and Buoys (Navigational) and the charges
therefor;
(iv) Mooring Buoys and the charges therefor;
(v) Ferries and the royalties therefor;
(vi) Licensing of pilots;
(vii) Regulation of Harbour traffic and the promulgation
of the necessary by-laws for that purpose;
(viii) The general policy of the Harbour.
It is noteworthy that Sir David excluded from the scope of the
"rust's activities the reclamation of land from the waters of the
Harbour. This he considered should continue to be done by
Government.