§ 11. Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the making of a harbour revision order for the Manchester ship canal company; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloObjections to the proposed order have been made by trade union interests and by a group of shareholders. Since the objections have not been withdrawn, a public inquiry will be held, as required by the Harbours Act.
§ Mr. ButlerWill this be an opportunity for the public to obtain guarantees that the intended owners of the Manchester ship canal company will pay more regard to the environment than the current owners of the company, Manchester city council?
§ Mr. PortilloMy hon. Friend will know that there is no effect on the ownership of the Manchester ship canal company, although there is a proposal that there should be changes in the board of directors. The effect of the order on the company's policies and activities is likely to be raised at the public inquiry. I hope that my hon. Friend will understand when I tell him that it would therefore be wrong for me to comment on that in detail.