§ 1. Miss Wilkinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the position with regard to the Jarrow steel works; and give any approximate date as to the starting of the work in Jarrow?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)I fear I can add nothing at present to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 9th November.
§ Miss WilkinsonIn view of the anxiety that is felt in this area, would the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries as to when the preliminary work is likely to begin? I take it from what the Minister said that there is no doubt about it starting, but perhaps he could make some inquiries as to possible preliminary work?
§ Mr. StanleyThe hon. Lady can be assured that I have not only been making inquiries but trying to urge the greatest haste. I think she will agree with me that it is unwise to raise hopes in this matter unless we are completely certain of the exact date when they will be fulfilled.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Runciman raised hopes in people by actually promising them that a steel works was to be established; and, as this matter has been going on for months, cannot the Government use their influence, if they have any, in order to have the works started?
§ Mr. StanleyI am using my influence, and as a result a good many difficulties have been cleared out of the way.