47. Mr. PALMER (for Mr. MILLS)asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the re-enactment of the Trade Facilities Acts?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)As my hon. Friend is aware, Part I of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929, affords assistance to statutory public utility companies in this country either by way of guarantee as under the Trades Facilities Acts or, as an alternative, by way of grants in respect of interest payments. The reasons for not reviving a system of guarantees for ordinary companies were explained by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs during the course of the debates on the Development Act and I cannot usefully add to the statement then made. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the Statement I refer to.