65. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the representations sent from Leadgate Council, County Durham, that schemes to improve roads and bridges in these Special Areas should be undertaken by the Government as unemployment schemes and that the powers of the Commissioner for the Special Areas should be amended accordingly; and whether he will take steps to this end?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADMy right hon. Friend does not consider that there is sufficient ground for suggesting an alteration in the existing statutory provisions with regard to grants towards the cost of constructing or improving roads and bridges.
Mr. ADAMSDoes the Minister not consider that this would be an admirable method of relieving the pressure of the burden of rates in the distressed areas?
§ Lieut. - Colonel MUIRHEADThe general principle under which the Commissioner for the Special Areas works in relation to Government Departments is well understood. This does not seem to be a case in which my right hon. Friend thinks it necessary to depart from the principle laid down.