HC Deb 18 November 1925 vol 188 cc383-5
60. Miss WILKINSON

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to appoint a Commission to inquire into the whole question of heavily-rated areas suffering from abnormal unemployment, as foreshadowed to the deputation of Members which met him in the summer; and, if so, whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, such Commission could be appointed immediately?

62. Mr. T. THOMSON

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the delay in setting up the Departmental Committee on the position of necessitous-areas, which was promised on 23rd July, he will take steps to secure a speedy consideration of the case and an early Report?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The Prime Minister has appointed a Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Harry Goschen, K.B.E., to consider and report on any scheme Which may be submitted to them for special assistance from the Exchequer to local authorities in necessitous urban and quasi-urban areas. The Committee are beginning their meetings this week, and I have no doubt that they will proceed with all reasonable expedition to carry out their terms of reference.

Mr. THOMSON

In view of the great delay in appointing the Committee, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to use his influence to expedite the Report as soon as possible?

Sir K. WOOD

I do not think there is any necessity to do that. The Committee are meeting next week, and I have no doubt they will proceed as expeditiously as possible.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Can the hon. Member say whether this Committee will deal with the extraordinary distress which has arisen in many of the mining districts in South Wales?

Sir K. WOOD

I should have to have notice of that. The terms of reference are "special assistance to local authorities in necessitous urban and quasi-urban areas."

Miss WILKINSON

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, while the Committee are considering their Report, he will give instructions to his Department not to press for payment in those areas where people are already suffering great distress arising out of the abnormal unemployment?

Sir K. WOOD

I must ask for notice of that important question.

Mr. CRAWFURD

In view of the great delay in appointing this Committee, and the very urgent need of some of these districts, will the hon. Gentleman urge his appropriate colleague to receive a deputation with a view to relieving the immediate needs of those districts?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir. I think the proper course is for the districts to present their case to the Committee.