§ 29. Mr. E. BROWNasked the Minister of Labour if her Department has received an application from the Leith Dock Commission with regard to two accelerated schemes for dock extension; and, if so, whether the schemes are to be treated on a revenue or non-revenue basis or if any new financial arrangement is proposed?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The schemes cannot, I am afraid, be assisted on a non-revenue-producing basis, and no new financial arrangement beyond the terms already offered to the Commissioners is proposed.
§ Mr. BROWNIs the right hon. Lady aware that this Commission, in common with other authorities, has been asked by the present Government to produce a new scheme, and that the answer she has given is precisely the same as was given by the previous Government?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI think the terms offered to the Commissioners are quite reasonable and fair.
§ Mr. BROWNIs the right hon. Lady not aware that this is not a private enterprise Commission at all, but a statutory Commission; and why should it be classified in the category of a revenue-producing undertaking, seeing that it does not produce any revenue for private persons? Will the right hon. Lady give it her consideration again?