§ 39. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the President of the Board of Trade, following the recent conversations between the sponsors of the projected Clyde Graving 559 Dock and the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee, if he will make a statement of Her Majesty's Government's intentions.
§ Mr. J. RodgersThe provisional offer made to the sponsors last autumn has now been confirmed. If the sponsors proceed with the project, financial assistance will be available in accordance with the terms arranged between them and the Treasury.
§ Dr. MabonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of concern on this side of the House about the breakdown of the sponsors' arrangements in view of the fact that the Treasury raised the matter of guaranteed capital? Am I to assume from the Answer that the snag which was made public in January is now overcome, and that D.A.T.A.C. is willing to accept the sponsors' bona fides as presently presented to it?
§ Mr. RodgersThe offer is conditional on satisfactory reports being obtained from B.O.T.A.C.'s technical advisers and accountants. General MacMillan was informed of this on 25th March.