2. Mr. PRICEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement with reference to the establishment of new industries in the distressed areas for the purpose of mitigating unemployment?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 28th March. Collection of information is proceeding but I am unable at the present time to say when it will be possible to make a further statement to the House.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the chief reasons for the delay in this respect is the uncertainty relating to the Ray-Committee's Report and recommendations?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe are trying to reduce those uncertainties to a minimum.