§ 11. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Minister of Labour where the proposed trading estate in Durham is to be located; and what progress has been made in connection with the scheme?
§ Mr. E. BROWNNegotiations are proceeding in regard to a number of possible sites for the company. It is inevitable, in an area where mineral rights have to be taken into account, that these negotiations should be somewhat lengthy, 1370 and it is clearly impossible to make any statement until they have been satisfactorily concluded.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not a fact that this question was regarded by the Government themselves as extremely important and urgent; and, as many months have elapsed since the decision to create a trading estate was taken, when are the Government going to take action? Is it not about time that the Government stopped trifling with the people of Durham?
§ Mr. BROWNThat is a complete misrepresentation of the facts. The House knows that some of the members of the board concerned with this matter are, and have been from the beginning, among the keenest advocates of this idea, and they and other members of the board are doing all they can to get an early decision.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHow long is it, going to take before a, site is provided and operations are commenced? Are we to be told that in the next spring this is going to be done?
§ Mr. BROWNThe House will be told the moment I am in a position to make a decision, when the negotiations are concluded.