§ 74. Sir PARK GOFFasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that the London and North Eastern Railway Company are unable, unaided, to proceed with the scheme for the creation of new docks at the mouth of the River Tees; and whether, having regard to the admitted necessity of such docks and to the serious unemployment in the district in which the proposed docks would be created, he is prepared to call an early conference of the various parties interested to discuss what steps can be taken to expedite a commencement of this scheme?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have already discussed this scheme with representatives of the Tees Conservancy Commission and the London and North Eastern Railway Company. I understand that the whole question is at present under consideration by the Commissioners, and I should, of course, be glad to discuss the matter further with them if any point should arise on which I could be of assistance.
§ Sir P. GOFFIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the local authorities are unanimously in favour of this scheme except the railway company who originally started these docks, and have the entire monopoly of that district?
§ Sir WILFRID SUGDENWhen the right hon. Gentleman does decide this matter, will he consider the claims of other localities, such as the Hartlepools?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAll relevant matters will be taken into consideration.