§ 87. Mr. J. Howardasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a resolution was passed by the Southampton Harbour Board at its meeting last week in relation to the recommendations contained in the Rochdale Report; and if 396W he will give an assurance that he will hold a public inquiry at which the views of all interested parties, including those of the coastal shipping owners, may be expressed before a decision is made upon the type of authority to control the Port of Southampton in the future.
§ Mr. MarplesI have seen Press reports about the Harbour Board resolution to which my hon. Friend refers. If a harbour reorganisation scheme for Southampton is submitted to me and objections are made by interested parties, I will certainly cause an inquiry to be held in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Harbours Act.