§ 11. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Malcolm Stewart was especially invited to visit South Wales recently during an investigation of that Special Area, in which the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Health were actively concerned; whether any report has been made of the result of these consultations: and, if so, whether such report will receive consideration before the amended Special Areas Act is framed?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe meeting to which I assume the hon. Member refers was an informal one and no report has been made, but the views which have been expressed both by Mr. Malcolm Stewart and his successor Sir George Gillett will naturally receive consideration in drafting the Bill to amend the Special Areas Act.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this investigation, 2803 and particularly the incident of sending for Mr. Malcolm Stewart, roused the greatest hopes throughout the whole country and in all sections of society that something at last was going to be done about the Special Areas? Will the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that those hopes are not to be disappointed?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member is quite wrong in saying that Mr. Malcolm Stewart was specially sent for. Both he and his successor were invited some time ahead of the particular meeting. The hon. Member can be assured that all their views will be taken into account.
§ Mr. LAWSONWas it not a special invitation in view of the fact that Mr. Stewart had resigned?