Licence Britain's container depots docks chief
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A SUGGESTION that Britains' container handling terminals should be licensed on the lines of the former road haulage licensing system was made last week by M r J. B. Fitzpatrick, joint managing director of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co.
Speaking to the British Institute of Management in Liverpool, Mr Fitzpatrick revealed that a joint management-union team from his company had been carrying out a survey of container handling facilities in south-west Lanes, including Liverpool. He stressed the need for a lasting solution to the problem of manning these depots and that a radical approach was needed.
Mr Fitzpatrick revealed that the joint team had produced a report and a panel of union and management representatives was going to see Mr Michael Foot, Secretary of State for Employment, to see what plans he had for solving the problem on a national basis. The unions had taken "a most constructive view and co-operated fully in the survey," said Mr Fitzpatrick.
Mr Fitzpatrick pointed to the current situation in London as an example of the way the problem was not being solved. "The stalemate situation there is being tackled by a high-powered committee. I think the problem is very fundamental and will have to be tackled in a more radical way. I foresee further difficulties in this area unless steps are taken to contain the growth of container handling depots," said Mr Fitzpatrick.