7. The Docks in the Twentieth Century
Possible Solutions

- The dock companies could amalgamate (join together) to lessen the damage done by competition, co-ordinate their activities and improve facilities and communications in the docks.

- Close some of the docks particularly the smaller docks upstream which were unable to take the larger ships. These could be used for warehousing and storage in general.

- End the 'free-water clause' and allow the dock companies to charge lighters using the docks.

- Build deep-water wharves in the Thames which would be much less expensive than improving the docks and be more efficient as they would be easier for ships to use, faster in turn-round and require much less labour.

- The dock companies could join with wharf owners, shipowners, other river users and public bodies such as the Corporation of London to form an association which could take joint responsibility for looking after and making improvements to the river and port. Money for the improvements could come from private and public sources.

- The government could take over the dock companies and the operation of the Port of London. It would appoint an authority to run the docks and wharves and look after the river. The government would be able to provide the large sums of money necessary to make improvements to the port. A single authority could co-ordinate charges and port movements more effectively.

Note: You can add your own ideas and change or adapt any of the ones above. You can also use a combination of any of the above solutions.