HC Deb 23 February 1933 vol 274 cc1894-5
46. Mr. MABANE

asked the Prime Minister whether he can indicate when the work of the Government will turn, as promised, from contraction to scientific expansion; and whether he will further indicate the manner and methods of that expansion?

The PRIME MINISTER

My right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Health, and I myself, stated in the Debates on unemployment last week the principles which are guiding the Government in the examination of new schemes designed to promote the expansion of trade or the extension of works which may be justified on merits and also the steps which have already been taken in pursuance of those principles.

Mr. MABANE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the large and important body of opinion inside this House and outside which is prepared to support a bold policy of expansion internally without regard to what is happening in the rest of the world?

The PRIME MINISTER

If that is so, it will be found that the Government is very much interested and prepared to do what is possible on those lines.

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

In considering this question, will my right hon. Friend give special attention to the necessitous areas, especially on the north-east coast?

The PRIME MINISTER

They are never out of our mind.

Mr. MAXTON

In thinking over the matter will the right hon. Gentleman remember the dictum of a previous Minister of the Crown, that you cannot take rabbits out of a hat?

The PRIME MINISTER

At the moment I am not quite so confident of that.

Mr. BATEY

When may we expect a report from this sub-committee showing what schemes they are proposing to develop?