§ 5. Mr. W. ROBERTSasked the Minister of Labour how much money has been actually spent to date by way of Government grants or schemes for the relief of unemployment in the special area of West Cumberland, and how much further has been promised or it is proposed to spend; and whether the Government are now willing to promote legislation enabling them to establish new industries in this area?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIt would be a laborious task to compile figures of all Government grants made to this area. In common with other areas of heavy unemployment it has received and continues to receive a large amount of financial assistance, the extent of which may be illustrated from the fact that in 1933–34 the amount of Government grants to the county of Cumberland was more than twice as much as the amount raised in local rates. The Commissioner for special areas in England and Wales has spent up to the present approximately £13,000 in the West Cumberland area, and he estimates his commitments in that area at present as £200,000. The Commissioner is doing his utmost to secure the setting up of new industries in this and the other parts of the special area for which he is concerned.
§ Captain DOWERWhen is the report likely to be received, and will it have special reference to West Cumberland?
§ Mr. ROBERTSAre the Government now willing to promote legislation enabling them to establish new industries?
§ Captain DOWERAre there likely to be suggestions for increased power for wider use of the fund?