§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the size of Her Majesty's Government's shareholding in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company; and if he will make a statement. [10332]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Government hold 12,411,795 ordinary shares in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. This shareholding is one of a number of residual holdings held by the Government in privatised companies. Her Majesty's Treasury announced on 19 September 1995 that it had appointed a financial adviser in connection with proposals, in 1995–96 and 1996–97, of residual equity holdings in these privatised companies. No decision has yet been taken on the timing or method of sale of the Government's shareholding in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company.
§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial support Her Majesty's Government have given to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company since 1989. [10333]
§ Mr. NorrisNo direct financial support has been given by the Government since the financial reconstruction of the company in 1989.
However, the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company is in receipt of grant aid from several schemes with the backing of the European regional development fund. Since 1989, some £13.3. million has been made available to the company for various infrastructure and regeneration projects.