HC Deb 13 March 1928 vol 214 cc1687-8
36. Mr. B. SMITH

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can communicate to the House the result of his inquiry into the possibility of the London and North Eastern Railway Company proceeding with the work of constructing a new fish dock at Grimsby?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I am informed by the railway company that, recognising that the accommodation for fish traffic at Grimsby was capable of improvement, they caused plans to be prepared for the provision of a new dock. The estimate of the cost, however, proved so high in relation to the probable financial return that the company were unable to see their way to proceed with the work, and their attitude towards the scheme has not altered in the interval.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the railway company, who are the owners of these docks, offered to spend £1,050,000, provided the Unemployment Grants Committee made a grant of £200,000 to cover the cost occasioned by the Government of the day stopping work in 1914, when it could have been done for £500,000?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am not responsible for what went on in 1914.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Would not the sum of £200,000 build a very good fish station at Tobermory?

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Is it not the fact that more fish are landed at Grimsby in one day than in 10 years at Tobermory?

Mr. MACQUISTEN rose

——

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and learned Member is so full of information that he is depriving his colleagues of getting any.