§ 1. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to announce a favourable decision on the application by Inch-green Development Company Limited for financial assistance in the construction of the proposed graving dock at Greenock.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. F. J. Erroll)Not yet, Sir. However, at a meeting on 9th July with the promoters, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister offered a substantial measure of Government assistance for the project. This offer is at present being urgently considered by the interests concerned.
§ Dr. MabonIn view of the Prime Minister's welcome intervention in the matter, may I take it that it is now out-with the normal mechanism of D.A.T.A.C. in view of the large sum of money involved? Also, is there a time limit attached to the offer from the Government? Are the promoters expected to give an answer one way or the other within a certain time?
§ Mr. ErrollNo, Sir; it is certainly not outwith D.A.T.A.C.; nor for the time being is there any time limit on it.