§ 28. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Mister of Labour whether, in view of the state of unemployment in Newcastle, the Government are taking any steps to induce the Cunard Company to give preference to the Tyne in giving the order for the new Cunarder?
§ Miss BONDFIELDNo, Sir. I am afraid this is not possible.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLECan the Minister say whether the Government have taken any steps with regard to contracts going to the Tyne?
§ Miss BONDFIELDIt is not the function of the Government to intervene on the question of where contracts are to be placed. It is, however, our function, and we believe it is successfully dis- 2125 charged, to assist in securing work wherever any assistance can be given.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEMay I ask the right hon. Lady, with regard to a statement which has been published that she informed the hon. Member for West Newcastle (Mr. Palin) that while she could not make a definite promise, there was a good prospect——
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot pursue this subject.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEI beg to give notice that at the earliest opportunity I will raise this question on the Adjournment.