§ 48. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he has made with the Preston Borough Council in negotiations regarding the maintenance of the Preston Dock; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersPreston Borough Council is currently preparing an application for assistance under the Industry Act 1972 to help it to continue to operate the port for a trial period to test the validity of the National Ports Council's assessment of the port's future prospects. Officials of my Department and of the Department of Industry are in close touch with Preston officials about the details of the application.