'Controlled port' - what does that imply?

[Bernard_Lewis]

I've seen reference to Swansea wishing to become a 'controlled port'. Anyone know what that meant? What would have been the benefit? Did Swansea obtain the status?

I've googled and searched this site but haven't turned up anything obvious...

Any tips welcomed!

Bernard

[Scalyback]

Swansea and control in same sentence?

Anything to do with HM customs and inspection of shipping?

[ss002d6252]

It was for funding - http://hansard.millb...9180321_HOC_360

Ports controlled by railway companies received extra government funding and Swansea wanted in on the act.

Craig

[Bernard_Lewis]

Ah! That explains it. Many thanks.

Bernard

[centurion]

When war broke out here were 176 different railway companies in Britain. Many of these either directly owned or subsidised port facilities. In the latter case they also had a semi monopolised degree of control over the port as part of the return on their subsidy. Some ports such as Swansea had preferred to remain independent and therefore out side of railway company interference or control. This was fine so long as trade was good and they made a good profit . On the outbreak of war 130 railway companies came under direct government control, where these companies owned port facilities the government effectively took over responsibility, where they controlled through a subsidy the government continued to pay the subsidy and also assumed control to a greater or lesser degree (relating to the arrangements the railway company had had in peace time). This was probably simpler and quicker than passing the necessary legislation for each port to come under government ownership. It being in the nature of governments traffic tended to become directed to those ports where the government had now some degree of control. At the same time all the restrictions of war time tended to reduce the flow of particular traffic to some ports in any case. The subsidies therefore became much more important to the owners of controlled ports and those having "free" ports (such as Swansea) began to suffer. Becoming a controlled port would therefore ensure more government directed traffic and at the same time additional monies in the form of the subsidy.

[Bernard_Lewis]

Thanks, Centurion.

This is mentioned several times in the press of the time but I found it hard to understand what the underlying issue was. Now much clearer and thanks to all.

Bernard