46. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the burden of rates thrown on certain industrial areas owing to the prolonged period of abnormal unemployment, he will consent-to receive a deputation of Members representing those districts, seeing that the assistance they desire requires the sanction of not only the Treasury but also of both the Minister of Labour and the-Minister of Health?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA deputation of this nature was received by the late Prime Minister in June last, and the proposals then made have not been lost sight of. In those circumstances I do not think any useful purpose would be served by adopting the suggestion contained in this question.
Mr. THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position in necessitous districts is infinitely worse than it was in June last, and that many of the proposals then submitted have not yet received final consideration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe are quite aware of the evil, and we are dealing with it and considering it in all its aspects.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon, Gentleman aware that the result of the last deputation to the Prime Minister 1495 gave us no assistance in any direction, and we are in a worse position than we were before?