HC Deb 16 July 1936 vol 314 cc2209-10
11. Mr. EDE

asked the Minister of Labour the reasons for the delay in the acquisition of the proposed trading estate in the north-east of England?

Mr. E. BROWN

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 9th July to the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. SHINWELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the answer he gave to me was a purely negative one, and when will he be in a position to state what progress is being made with a scheme for which the Government take credit?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member is in error in saying that my answer was a negative one. I pointed out some of the difficulties, and I also pointed out, in answer to other questions, that some of the keenest persons in favour of this idea are to be found among those on the directorates. Questions of this kind cannot help them in the work they are trying to bring to a successful conclusion.

Mr. SHINWELL

What is the use of their keenness if nothing is to be done, and will the right hon. Gentleman say how questions in this House are going to prevent these keen persons from proceeding with a scheme for which the Government take all the credit?

Mr. BROWN

The answer is that to suggest that nothing will be done does not help them. Something will be done.

HON. MEMBERS

When?

Mr. EDE

Shall I be able to get any definite answer if I put this question down again before the Recess?

Mr. BROWN

I am not sure about that. The hon. Member may be assured that as soon as I am in a position to give a definite answer, I shall be very glad to let the House know.