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Jarrow (Steelworks)

Volume 320: debated on Thursday 18 February 1937

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48.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to accede to the request of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to receive an influential deputation from Tyneside with regard to the steelworks at Jarrow?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the deputation which I was asked to receive following a conference held at Newcastle-on-Tyne on 5th February. I regret that the pressure upon my time makes it impossible for me to receive this deputation, but I have informed the Town Clerk of Newcastle-on-Tyne that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade would be prepared to do so.

As the Prime Minister has just assured us that he is the most accessible of all the Ministers, may I ask why he continually refuses to hear the case of this Special Area, in view of the fact that on his own suggestion we have already exhausted all the departmental channels, and the steel situation is now becoming so serious that Cabinet action is obviously required?

I should perhaps have said "necessarily accessible" In regard to a deputation like this, the Board of Trade is the proper Department to see. I would remind the hon. Lady that all Cabinet Ministers are co-equal but, fortunately, not co-eternal.

While regretting, of course, this suggestion of political mortality on the part of the Prime Minister, may I ask him whether he is aware that the Departmental channels concerned have said on certain matters which were put forward "This needs Cabinet action," and is not the Premier the only person who can decide upon Cabinet action?

No, that is not in accordance with the constitutional practice. If the Prime Minister were to undertake to see deputations which might come to him from all over the country on subjects which are exciting interest, he would be able to do nothing else. The Departmental Minister brings the subject to the Cabinet. That is what he is there for.