53. Mr. W. JOSEPH STEWARTasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to induce firms to commence new industries in the Special Areas, since the Board of Trade survey of industrial development for 1934 points out that only seven new factories were opened, and two existing ones extended, in the Special Areas during that year out of a total of 478 new factories and 144 extensions for the whole of the country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI would refer to the second report of the Commissioner for Special Areas (England and Wales) which has been presented to Parliament and the statements made during the Debate on 2nd March, and to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 10th March to the hon, Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
88. Miss WARDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will recommend the creation of a special fund for providing finance for the establishment of industries in the Special Areas as suggested by Mr. Malcolm Stewart?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I cannot add at present to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Penrith (Captain Dower) on 20th February.
Miss WARDIn view of the fact that the matter is considered urgent and that the proposal was put before the Government as long ago as last July, may I ask whether it will be very long before the Government come to a decision on the matter?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe reply to which I have referred my hon. Friend says that the matter is under consideration, and the state of affairs has not changed since that reply was given on 20th February.
Miss WARDWill the hon. Member be kind enough to refer to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour to Question 53?