asked the Secretary of State for Transport, in view of the hazards caused by derelict craft in harbours to children and other craft using the harbours, and the risk of serious accidents, if he will take steps to empower local authorities and port authorities to remove such derelict craft in default of action by the owner.

Most harbour authorities already have a variety of such powers, but I am arranging to consult the British Ports Association and the National Ports Council about the adequacy of these for dealing with incidents where a derelict craft or object might be a danger to the general public or to children.