15 and 16. Sir NICHOLAS G RATTAN-DOYLEasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) whether he can make any statement as to the progress of his plans for the relief of unemployment as they affect the industrial area of North-East England;
(2) whether he is able to state what number of men are employed, directly or indirectly, as the result of his schemes in Northumberland and Durham?
Mr. THOMASThe assistance which the Government is offering to schemes for the promotion of economic development and the reduction of unemployment is available for the area referred to equally with other areas suffering from unemployment. The initiative in putting 825 in hand local works of development lies with the local authorities and public utility undertakings. I shall be pleased to furnish information on such schemes approved for grant if the hon. Member will specify the local authority areas for which he wishes this information. I would remind the hon. Member of the grant recently announced to assist works to the value of £10,000,000 for the development of electricity supply on the North-East coast.
Sir N. G RATTAN-DOYLEMay I ask whether, in view of the exceptional amount of unemployment in this particular area, he will direct his energies to putting some schemes into operation with the general plan of relieving unemployment in the area?
Mr. THOMASI have publicly announced in this House and outside and invited members of all parties themselves to urge upon local authorities the presentation of schemes. I still want them to do that, and I am glad to say that many have done so. I cannot do more than urge local authorities to present schemes.
Sir N. G RATTAN-DOYLEYes, but, apart altogether from local authorities and their responsibilities, cannot the right hon. Gentleman initiate schemes?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot have a discussion on every question.