§ 16. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Transport if, with a view to extending and improving shipping facilities in the Manchester area, he will seek to arrange a meeting between his Department and the relevant authorities to discuss the modernisation of the Port of Manchester and of the Manchester Ship Canal.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Vice-Admiral John Hughes Hallett)No, Sir. This is a matter for the Manchester Ship Canal Company.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWill the Minister consult his right hon. Friend with a view to suggesting to the Ministry that it should take the initiative? If not, will he ask local authorities to take the initiative? Is he aware that these suggestions were put to me by some of the biggest industrial concerns in the Greater Manchester area at a meeting where constructive proposals were made 1326 which had the same objects as those contained in my Question?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettAs the law stands now, my right hon. Friend would be reluctant to take the initiative in a case such as this, but I point out to the hon. Member that the Rochdale Committee is sitting at present and is expected to report later this year on the whole question of the major ports.