§ 57. Mr. GILBERTasked the Prime Minister whether he has now completed arrangements with the Port of London Authority as to putting certain dock works in hand with the view of relieving unemployment in London; what works will be put in hand forthwith; what approximate number of men will be employed on the jobs; and what financial arrangements have been made by the Government with the Port of London Authority in order to allow these works to be undertaken?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Boyd-Carpenter)In reply to the first and last parts of the question, the precise financial arrangements are still under discussion with the authority. A full description of the works would be somewhat lengthy, but the main works include the following: The provision of deep water docks and an impounding station in Surrey Commercial Docks; a new deep water dock, a new entrance lock and a new dry dock in Tilbury Docks. The number of men which it is estimated will be employed on these works is, at Surrey Commercial Docks, 400 at. the.commencement, rising to 1.000, and at Tilbury Docks, 500 at the commencement, rising to 3,500.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHaving regard to the amount of work that will be provided if these schemes are put in hand, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to expedite the financial arrangements with the Port of London Authority?
§ Major PAGETMay I ask whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman will ensure that only English granite is used in these works?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice should be given of that question.