§ 74. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Labour what reply he proposes to give to the representations of the United Textile Factory Workers' Association asking the Government to regard some of the towns and villages in Lancashire as depressed areas and to provide such help as will enable them to restore their industries or, alternatively, to set up other industries which will replace the cotton industry, upon which they have previously been dependent?
§ 75. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour what reply he proposes to give to the resolution passed by the United Textile Factory Workers' Association calling upon the Government to regard some towns and villages in Lancashire as depressed areas?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe Special Areas Act was avowedly introduced as an experiment. The Government are watching its progress closely, but a little more experience is required before it can be decided whether its extension is desirable or not.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that the position in some places in Lancashire is even worse than 1102 in the so-called distressed areas, and may I urge that attention should be at once paid to them?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI do not think that I can add anything to my original answer, that more experience is required before a decision can be arrived at.
§ Mr. DAVIESIs the hon. Member aware that it is some years now since these areas were scheduled, and will he be good enough to look into the question whether some of the distressed areas may not have improved at the same time that areas in Lancashire have become worse?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI will take note of the hon. Member's suggestion.