§ 55. Mr. GEORGE HALLasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the continued high percentage of unemployment in South Wales, the Government will consider the appointment of an industrial commissioner for that area, with such powers as are necessary to assist in the improvement of existing industries and to make the necessary contact with other industrialists, with the view of inducing them to establish new industries in South Wales?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe Government have the question of the Special Areas under review in the light of the Third Report of the Commissioner for Special Areas (England and Wales) and of other suggestions which have been made from time to time. I cannot anticipate any proposals it may be decided to make.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESMay I ask whether the House has been put into possession of every report on the distressed areas that the late Commissioner submitted to the Government?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADHe has submitted three reports, all of which have been received and studied.
§ Mr. J. GRIFFITHSHas the attention of the Department been called to the fact that it is understood that during the recent visit of the Minister of Labour another unpublished report was discussed in South Wales Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House whether there is such a report, and, if so, whether it will be published to the Members of the House?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe Commissioner has sent three reports and all of them have been received and studied.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWhat does the Parliamentary Secretary mean when he says, "have been received and studied"? Studied by whom?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADBy my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes that imply that there is one or more reports that have not been made available to Members?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThree official reports that the Commissioner has sent to my right hon. Friend have been received by him and have been studied by him.
§ Mr. J. GRIFFITHSIs there anything in the statement attributed to the late Commissioner that there is a private report? Are we to understand that such a private report was submitted?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI have already stated that three reports—
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSAny report apart from the three?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThey were the only reports of which my right hon. Friend had any need to take cognisance.