§ 9. Mr. PRICEasked the Minister of Labour the reason why the districts of Cinderford, Coleford, and Lydney, in the Forest of Dean, are classified as depressed areas and not Special Areas; and whether this classification has any reference to the percentage of unemployment prevailing there?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADAs I explained in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) on 16th November, the term "depressed areas" is used by the Department to denote those areas to which the facilities of the Industrial Transference scheme apply. In determining these areas, my right hon. Friend has regard to the percentage of unemployment, but he is not bound to any rigid figure. The Special Areas are the areas which were selected by Parliament for the application of the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934, and are set out in the First Schedule to that Act.
§ Mr. PRICEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that very often in these depressed areas there is as much unemployment as there is in the Special Areas?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThat is a point which is constantly being put to us. 1891 I can only draw attention to the fact again that the Special Areas are laid down by Act of Parliament.