HC Deb 16 July 1935 vol 304 cc871-2
9. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Minister of Labour when the report of the commissioner for special areas will be available to Members?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I hope that copies will be available not later than Thursday.

Mr. LAWSON

Will there be an early opportunity of discussing the report?

Mr. BROWN

I hope that copies of it will be in the Vote Office to-morrow night. As to the opportunity for discussion, I think the hon. Member had better put a question through the usual channels.

Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the report for Scotland will be ready at the same time?

Mr. BROWN

The Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible for that.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the case that it comes under the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. BROWN

I am responsible for England and Wales, and the Secretary of State for Scotland for Scotland.

Mr. MAXTON

Is there no co-ordination between the commissioners in Scotland and England such as would make it possible for these reports to be presented to the House at the same time?

Mr. BROWN

I have never said that they will not be. I have said who are responsible.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the commissioner is appointed for the whole of the Kingdom, including Scotland?

Mr. BROWN

I am stating what is the fact, that I am responsible for England and Wales, and that a question as to Scotland must be put to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. LAWSON

Is not this the Chief Commissioner's report?

Mr. BROWN

There will be two reports, one for England and Wales and one for Scotland.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Has not the time arrived for the appointment of a further Secretary of State to co-ordinate the two Departments?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Has the attention of the Commissioner been drawn to the more or less derelict condition of Campbeltown?