§ 51. Mr. Shortasked the Prime Minister what reply he has sent to the letter addressed to him by the Secretary of the Tyneside Chamber of Commerce regarding the replacement of the Queen liners.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Owen).
§ Mr. ShortBut that does not tell us anything. Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that the resolution contained in the letter was carried unanimously by a conference representing both sides of industry on the Tyne, the commercial life of the area, the local authorities and hon. Members on both sides of the House? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the two firms concerned 563 are not allowed to tender for these liners there will be widespread disappointment on Tyneside?
§ The Prime MinisterFirst of all, we have to receive some detailed proposals from the Cunard company and discuss with them the financial arrangements.