§ 26. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Lord Privy Seal what was the nature of the help which he offered to certain firms in the purchase of land and relief of rates on condition that they would start work in distressed areas; and what inducements are now available for firms who are willing to establish themselves in distressed areas?
Mr. THOMASIf the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the replies which I gave to the right hon. Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) on the 28th January, he will see that there is no suggestion of a scheme of financial aid by the Government such as he appears to have in mind.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRCan the right hon. Genteman say what form the aid is to take? Is it in the acquisition of land and the reduction of rates: those were the two points he mentioned?
Mr. THOMASI said nothing about the acquisition of land. What I said was that already a number of municipalities had offered special inducements to firms to come to their particular districts. I am anxious to encourage firms to go, if possible, into the distressed areas.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRAm I to read into the reply that the right hon. Gentleman did not, in fact, offer any inducements either as regards the acquisition of land or the reduction of rates?