HC Deb 22 February 1938 vol 332 cc172-3
20. Miss Wilkinson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state when the site for the Jarrow steelworks will be acquired by the Commissioner for the Special Areas?

Mr. Stanley

I understand that the Commissioner for the Special Areas hopes to obtain possession of the greater part of the site by 31st March next.

Miss Wilkinson

Do I understand that all the arrangements for carrying through the steelworks are going on satisfactorily?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Lady's question only applies to the acquisition of the site, and I should like notice of any further question; but she will realise that a great deal of preliminary work is going on while we are waiting for the completion of the formalities connected with the acquisition of the site.

Miss Wilkinson

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman for a general assurance, such as the town has been waiting for all these months, that the acquisition of the site will be followed by the erection of works?

Mr. Stanley

As far as I know, everything is going on satisfactorily, but I would ask the hon. Lady to put her question down, because I think that in a matter of this kind, where a great deal of disappointment has been caused in the past, it would be wrong to answer without the very latest information.