HC Deb 12 July 1960 vol 626 cc1169-70
39. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent official discussions with the sponsors of the proposed graving dock at Greenock.

Mr. J. Rodgers

As a result of discussions between the sponsors of the proposed graving dock and the Board of Trade Advisory Committee, my right hon. Friend has communicated to General Macmillan a revised offer of the terms on which Government assistance can be made available.

Dr. Mabon

While welcoming the announcement, which I hope represents a very substantial step forward, may I ask if we may take it that the Government are contemplating any definite time limit to be imposed on this offer?

Mr. Rodgers

The actual offer was made on 6th July. The amendments relate not so much to the terms of Government assistance as to the arrangements to be made by the company for raising that part of the finance to be found from non-Government sources. It is not that we have altered the basis of our offer, but the company is altering the basis of its.