§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Manchester Ship Canal Company has applied for an order under the Harbours Act 1964 to change its company structure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe company has applied for a harbour revision order which would, among other things, empower it to redeem certain debentures held by the city of Manchester and end the right of the city council to appoint directors. Objections have been made to the application by certain interests, not including the city council, and if the matter cannot be resolved between the parties it will be necessary to hold a public inquiry as provided by the Harbours Act.