HC Deb 13 March 1935 vol 299 cc394-5
61 Mr. MARTIN

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what procedure has to be followed by the commissioner for special areas in considering schemes put forward by local authorities; and what is the extent of the control exercised by the Government over the Special Areas Fund;

(2) how many schemes calculated to find work have been started with the assistance of the commissioner for the special areas in England and Wales;

(3) how much money has actually been spent out of the Special Areas Fund in the special area of Durham County and Tyneside?

65. Mr. R. T. EVANS

asked the Minister of Labour what schemes have been approved by the commissioner for special areas in Wales and Monmouthshire; the total cost of such schemes; the aggregate of grants to be made from the Special Areas Fund; and the sources from which the remainder of the cost is to be met?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

In the Debate on 4th March, my right hon. Friend indicated briefly the action which the Commissioner for Special Areas in England and Wales is taking, and mentioned some of the schemes which he has decided to assist. There is at present nothing that I can add to this statement.

Mr. MARTIN

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to have any further information to give the House on this matter?

Mr. HUDSON

The Commissioner has issued a circular to the local authorities and to the Press, and I have no doubt that he will continue that practice.

Mr. MARTIN

Is there no method of finding out about any particular district at any particular time?

Mr. HUDSON

If the hon. Member will put down a question in due course, I shall be able to give him further particulars.

Mr. H. JOHNSTONE

Will the Minister consider the propriety of issuing a report from time to time from his Department on the activities of the Commissioner either to this House, to the Press, or somewhere else in order that Members and the public may know precisely what the Commissioner is doing?

Mr. HUDSON

I will consider that matter.

Captain HEILGERS

Has the Commissioner made any recommendation for the erection of beet-sugar factories in depressed areas?