HC Deb 22 December 1927 vol 212 cc571-3
Mr. HARRIS

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether in his special relief schemes are contemplated to help the population in the distressed mining areas of South Wales; whether he is aware that many families are reduced to penury and want, and whether seeing that in many of the villages, where the mines are closed, mining is the sole industry, it would be possible to give some special financial aid to the local authorities concerned, especially as many tradespeople are in such straitened circumstances owing to the expended credit they have to give that they will soon be unable to pay their rates?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend is aware of the very difficult position prevailing in some parts of South Wales, owing to the condition of the mining industry. He received yesterday a deputation from the local authorities concerned, at which the situation was fully discussed. So far as he is aware the responsible authorities are not failing to meet their obligations in regard to the relief of Institution. He does not think that special action in the way of Exchequer grants would be appropriate. The position in this area will, no doubt, engage the attention of the Industrial Transfer Board in course of being established.

Mr. HARRIS

Does the Minister realise that the position is more urgent, almost desperate, that delay is a serious matter, and has he further seen the allegation that the maximum relief given now in some of these milling towns is fixed at 7s.? Is that statement correct?

Sir K. WOOD

I think the hon. Gentleman must read my answer. The whole matter was very fully discussed with Members of Parliament chiefly concerned in this matter at the deputation yesterday. The proceedings at the deputation and my right hon. Friend's reply will be made public, and I invite the hon. Gentleman to await the statement as to what was then said.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Would not most of this trouble have been avoided if Mr. Justice Sankey's Report had been adopted?

Sir K. WOOD

Perhaps, if the hon. and gallant Member had been in charge it would have been better still.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I would have kept my word.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give us an assurance that the answer to this deputation will be much more effective than the answer of the Minister to the North Eastern Conference dealing with those areas? Nothing was done though much sympathy was expressed?

Sir K. WOOD

It would be unwise to make comparisons between the two deputations, but I would invite the hon. Gentleman to await the statement which will be made, I hope, to-day.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that if these areas were situated abroad, in India, special relief funds would be formed, and can he not see that the people at home are at least as well treated as the people abroad?

Mr. SPEAKER

That matter does not arise.