§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Lord Privy Seal what schemes have been approved for the provision of employment in the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne; and what progress has been made in giving effect to them?
Mr. THOMASThe Unemployment Grants Committee have approved 13 schemes for the city of Newcastle, estimated to cost about £338,000. Of these schemes one has been completed, five have been commenced, and it is hoped to commence two more in a few days' time. In addition, road schemes to the value of about £43,000 have been submitted to the Ministry of Transport, and the bulk of this expenditure has been approved for grant. This is apart from the £10,000,000 electricity scheme for the North-East coast, which will provide a large amount of employment in this area.
779WFollowing are the details:
Since the 1st June, 1929, the Unemployment Grants Committee have approved 13 schemes, estimated to cost £337,930, in respect of works for the relief of unemployment in the city of Newcastle, eight, estimated to cost £238,195, being promoted by the Newcastle-on-Tyne City Council, and five, estimated to cost £99,735, by the Tyne Improvement Commission.
Of the schemes promoted by the city council, one has been completed; two others have been commenced. It is hoped to commence two more in a few days' time. In two other cases the date of commencement has not yet been fixed, while a scheme of some magnitude for the extension of the Corporation Quay, for which statutory powers are required, is not likely to be started during the next three months. Of the schemes promoted by the Tyne Improvement Commission, three have been commenced, and tenders in respect of two other schemes have been let. The Commissioners' schemes will provide employment not only in Newcastle, but also in other towns in the North-East district where unemployment is severe.
As regards roads, the undermentioned improvement schemes are included in the five years' programme submitted to the Ministry of Transport by the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne:
Estimated cost. £ Extension of Benwell Lane 20,800 Widening Barrack Road 6,940 Widening Denton Road 6,000 Widening Elswick Road 1,900 Widening Denton Burn Bridge 7,100 The scheme for the extension of Benwell Lane was approved in principle on the 6th March last, and the Ministry are in communication with the city council with a view to obtaining further details with regard to this scheme.
The details of the scheme for widening Barrack Road are now being examined, and it is hoped to issue the grant at an early date. The grant in respect of the scheme for the widening of Denton Road has been issued.
The details of the scheme for the widening of Elswick Road are being examined, 780W and the city council are obtaining the district valuer's report on the acquisition of land.
Denton Burn Bridge is situated on the boundary of the county of Northumberland and the city of Newcastle, and it has been agreed that the work will be carried out by the Northumberland County Council. Further particulars with regard to this scheme are awaited.
In addition to the above schemes, the Development (Public Utility) Advisory Committee have approved an application from the Newcastle-on-Tyne Gas Company in respect of the erection of a gasholder at a cost of £50,000. The contract for the holder was placed on the 28th February, 1930.