§ 47. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what financial assistance he proposes to give to James Lamont and Company and the 627 Greenock Harbour Trust as a result of the recommendations of the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee regarding their application for aid to build an intermediate-sized graving dock in Greenock.
§ Mr. ErrollNo recommendation has been received from D.A.T.A.C. in respect of financial assistance for the construction of the small graving dock at Greenock.
§ Dr. MabonIs the Economic Secretary not aware that the terms suggested by D.A.T.A.C. to the firms have already been rejected by them and that they have asked for further consideration? Does the hon. Gentleman not recognise that there is a growing impression among many hon. Members who represent areas of heavy unemployment that D.A.T.A.C. seems to be more concerned with doing good business than relieving unemployment? Furthermore, will the Economic Secretary and his right hon. Friend, if they are genuine in their concern about this matter, realise that in many cases the recommendations of D.A.T.A.C. are frustrating the objective set by the Government?
§ Mr. ErrollNo, Sir. D.A.T.A.C. is anxious to relieve unemployment and to do good business at the same time. There is no point in doing bad business which would not relieve permanently the unemployment in the D.A.T.A.C. areas. Normally, all applications are regarded as confidential but in view of the inaccurate reports of this matter which have appeared in the Press, I would like to explain to the House that full details necessary for consideration of the original application were not received until 9th December, 1958. The Committee informed the promoters on 14th January that it was unable to make a recommendation in favour of that application, since when D.A.T.A.C. has discussed with the promoters the basis for revised proposals. D.A.T.A.C. is waiting to receive further suggestions from the promoters.