§ 18. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Labour whether a report arranged for by the Commissioner for the Special Areas, and which has now been received by the Government, in regard to public works, recommends that the Government should now encourage and financially assist in the carrying out of public works in the distressed areas?
§ 31. Mr. SEXTONasked the Minister of Labour whether he will publish the findings of the survey in South-West Durham as to the possibilities of public works in that area in the interests of public health and economic development, which survey was undertaken at the request of Mr. Malcolm Stewart when he was Commissioner for the Special Areas of England and Wales?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) on 16th November.
§ Mr. BATEYSurely if there has been a report in regard to relief works the House ought to know what it is?
§ Mr. BROWNIf the matter is of public interest, the Commissioner for Special Areas will make up his mind on what lines he shall report to me. It is quite impossible to have confidential reports 1411 made, and information received on that basis, if publication is to follow and Members ask questions in the House.
§ Mr. BATEYThis is a matter in which the House is interested and has a right to know what is in the report. I will include that.