§ 34. Miss WILKINSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the conflict of evidence with regard to the proposed steelworks at Jarrow, the favourable nature of the original expert opinion, and the important issues involved, he will arrange for the institution of an impartial inquiry into all the facts?
§ 43. Sir JOHN JARVISasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the widespread uncertainty regarding the reasons for the failure of the Jarrow steelworks plan, he will have an independent investigation made to ascertain the facts, especially having regard to the exceptional need for employment in this distressed area?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Government have repeatedly made it clear that they would welcome the establishment of an iron and steel works at Jarrow, if the interests concerned could agree upon a scheme which was commercially sound. The Government have also stated that they could not see their way to provide public money in order to influence the setting-up of an iron and steel works either at Jarrow or elsewhere. Such a course would be contrary to their declared policy of leaving the decisions as to the proper technical organisation of an industry to those engaged in it. The facts relating to the Jarrow scheme have been fully set out in the statement issued by the British Iron and Steel Federation. In the light of this statement I do not think that there can be any doubt as to the reasons which unfortunately led to the conclusion by the interests, which it was proposed should establish an iron and steel works at Jarrow, that such a works could not be established by them on a commercially sound basis. I do not, therefore, think that any purpose would be served by the further inquiry suggested by the hon. Members.
§ Miss WILKINSONIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement and of the very serious situation in Jarrow, would he be prepared to receive an influential deputation from Jarrow at a near convenient date?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI shall be very glad to see a deputation from Jarrow if they can bring fresh information on the subject. I will try to arrange for an early date.
§ Sir J. JARVISHas the right hon. Gentleman read the report made to the Iron and Steel Federation by their consultant last August which made reference to the proposed steel works at Jarrow and, if so, can that report be reconciled with the statements made by the federation?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have read all the published documents on the subject. I shall be very glad to consider any new material that is forthcoming, but I cannot go back into the reconciling of what appears to me to be ancient history.