§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the chairman of Associated British Ports; whether he discussed the Associated British Ports (No. 2) Bill; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellIn the debate on the Associated British Ports (No. 2) Bill on 11 May I explained to the hon. Member that I had not met the chairman of Associated British Ports in respect of the Bill and, further, that I had no knowledge of whether any other Minister or officials in the Department of Transport had done so.
Subsequent inquiries show that some months ago, on 24 February my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the chairman of Associated British Ports, and their discussion did indeed cover the (No. 2) Bill.