The Closure of the Docks
Worksheet
1. Examine the statements below. Using the information in this chapter and Sources F to J, decide what you think are the main reasons why the docks closed.
Put the statements in order of importance, with the one(s) you think most important first and so on. You may decide that several are equally important some not so important and others only contributory factors. Make this clear in the way you order the statements.
- The costs of keeping open several dock systems in the Port of London were too high. The Royals, for instance, were losing millions of pounds each year because they were not earning enough money to cover the costs of maintenance, security, stuffing etc. It was more efficient and cost-effective to concentrate on one dock svstem at Tilbury.
- A series of strikes in the 1960s and 1970s made the docks unattractive to shipping companies.
- A lot of trade was lost by the development of roll-on/roll-off methods of moving goods. The upstream docks were in a pool-position for this fast-moving trade. It went to the coastal ports which had easier access and were nearer to mainland Europe.
- Decasualisation led to overmanning in the port. Large numbers of men were employed who were not required. But their wages had to be paid and this significantly increased the costs of the.' Port of London at a time when it could ill afford them.
- Britain, unlike other countries, had no overall policy for all the ports in Britain. There were too many ports and not enough work for nil of them. Some had to go.
- European ports like Rotterdam had very modern up-to-date facilities. They were cheaper and more efficient than the fort of London. They were also in the better position to handle the changes in world trade as Europe became an important trading area, So they took the trade from London.
- The container revolution killed the upstream docks, they did not have the space required or the road network to move containers out of 'the port. Large container ships were not willing to make the long journey up the river. It was easier for them to use docks nearer to the sea like Tilbury.
- Britain had lost its position as the centre of world trade. Other countries like Japan were growing in importance and trade was moving away from Britain, Countries that had one e traded mainly with Britain were now sending their goods elsewhere.
- The management were to blame. They did too little too lute. Some parts of the upstream docks could have been saved if they had invested in new dock technology early enough.
2. Write a brief account explaining why the docks closed. In your account try to weigh up the relative importance of the different factors involved.
Go back to The Closure of the Dock menu page |
|