§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has so far received in regard 65W to the Government's proposal to take the Manchester Ship Canal Company into public ownership; what benefits he expects to be derived from this measure; and what proposals he has, in the interests of industrial democracy, for consultations to establish if the Government's proposals coincide with the wishes of the employees of the company as a whole.
§ Dr. GilbertA number of letters have been received expressing fears that the Manchester Ship Canal Company's undertaking might be closed down under the Government's proposals for reorganisation of the ports. These fears are without foundation. The present intention, as set out in the consultation document, is to set up new national port boards to take over private port undertakings. Representative bodies, including the trade unions which have members working to the Port of Manchester, have been invited to comment on these proposals.