HC Deb 02 May 1935 vol 301 cc524-5
11. Miss WARD

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of the £2,000,000 allocated for expenditure in the special areas remains unexpended?

Mr. STANLEY

Schemes involving expenditure of approximately £1,500,000 by the Commissioner for England and Wales have been approved, and other schemes are under consideration. Actual expenditure will of necessity be in arrear of commitments entered into, as grants will only be issued as required to meet the outgoings on schemes assisted. 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 WARD

Can my hon. Friend state definitely whether when the £2,000,000 allocated is expended there will be financial support coming to carry on any schemes which have been recommended by the commissioner?

Mr. STANLEY

Oh, yes, I think I can give that quite explicitly.

Mr. KENNETH LINDSAY

Is the Minister satisfied that the commissioner is able to cut through all ordinary methods and to exercise discretion? The money is only approved, I gather.

Mr. STANLEY

If by "ordinary methods" my hon. Friend means ordinary rules of caution, the commissioner is still observing them, but I do not think the commissioner is hampered in any way by what I believe is described as "red tape."

13. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Minister of Labour what steps the commissioner for special areas is taking to deal with unemployment in such areas?

Mr. STANLEY

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons) on 30th April.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the Minister aware that there is no sign that the commissioners are making any impression whatever on unemployment in the special areas?

Mr. STANLEY

As I informed the House in the reply to which I have referred, it is hoped that the commissioner will issue a progress report towards the end of next month, so that the House will then be able to judge what progress he is making.