§ 46. Sir W. BRASSasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large expenditure proposed to be spent on modernising and improving our defensive forces, he will consider giving some special inducements to manufacturers to start works in certain of the distressed areas in Lancashire which, although in a depressed condition, are not included in the scheduled areas under the present Special Areas Act?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)I have been asked 32 to reply. It is already the practice in placing Government contracts to give a preference, other things being equal, to firms in the scheduled depressed areas, which include large parts of Lancashire. The Government is unable, on grounds of general policy, to accept the suggestion that a special inducement, other than that conferred by the preference above referred to, should be given to manufacturers to start works in any particular district of Lancashire.
§ Sir W. BRASSDo I understand from the answer that the areas outside those scheduled in the Act, which I have mentioned in the question, are not to get any benefit from this at all?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADNo, the hon. and gallant Member is not entitled to draw that deduction. The policy is, other things being equal, to give a preference to firms in the depressed areas including those in Lancashire. The answer means what it says.
§ Sir W. BRASSAnd is the meaning of it that the areas to which I refer are not to be included?