HC Deb 09 November 1936 vol 317 cc500-1
46. Mr. MATHERS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will bring forward the Government proposals with regard to the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934, in a form which will allow of full discussion and amendment instead of merely including it in the list of Acts to be extended by means of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

The PRIME MINISTER

I have to thank the hon. Member for the courteous letter he sent explaining his position and I am making a rather long reply in consequence.

As I explained in a reply to a supplementary question by the hon. Member on Thursday last, arising out of the Business statement, this matter could be raised when the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill comes up for discussion. As regards the point which, I understand, the hon. Member has in mind about bringing other areas within the scope of the Special Areas Act, I would explain that that Act was purposely confined to those areas which had formed the subject of special investigation. This limitation was fully discussed when the Bill was before the House in 1934. I may add that the reasons which have led the Government to invite Parliament to continue the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934, in its present form for another year will be stated by Ministers in the course of the Debate on the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

Mr. MATHERS

Is the Prime Minister aware of the difficulty and even hardship that is caused by the rigid drawing of certain lines between Special and other areas?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir, I know that that is a real difficulty, but it is one that would much better be discussed in debate than by question and answer, because a great many considerations are involved. That is why I put in my reply that sentence about explanations which Ministers will give when the Debate takes place.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that the Government still propose to include the Special Areas Act in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir.

Mr. CARTLAND

Have the Commissioners been consulted with regard to the continuance of the Act?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should like notice of that question.

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