§ 3. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to announce a favourable decision on the application by the Inch-green Development Company Limited, for financial assistance in the construction of the proposed graving dock at Greenock.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Derick Heathcoat Amory)I am afraid that I cannot yet add anything to my previous replies.
§ Dr. MabonIs the Chancellor aware that in the 15 months since he made his announcement, unemployment in Greenock has remained consistently at about 3,000? In view of the high hopes that were entertained about this project, can he give an undertaking that there will be a favourable announcement before the Summer Recess?
Mr. AmoryMy difficulty, as I explained to the hon. Member before, is that I can act only on a recommendation made to me by the Advisory Committee. I understand that the problem, as I mentioned before, is due to the nature of the proposal and the general question of finance.