35. Miss WARDasked the Minister of Labour how much of the £2,000,000 allocated to 31st March for expenditure in the distressed areas has in fact been definitely sanctioned?
Mr. STANLEYSchemes involving expenditure of approximately £600,000 by the Commissioner for England and Wales have already been approved, subject in some instances to settlement of all the details, and other schemes which would entail a large increase on this expenditure are under active consideration. As regards schemes in Scotland perhaps my hon. Friend will address a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Miss WARDMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider keeping the House informed as to the extent of the schemes authorised, so that the House and the country may realise that 1726 the Government are serious in their desire to help forward schemes in special areas?
Mr. STANLEYI have no doubt that many occasions will arise when this fact can be mentioned in debate. Indeed, these schemes were mentioned in the Debate yesterday.