HC Deb 02 December 1937 vol 329 cc2223-4
8. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the conclusion arrived at by the Commissioners for Special Areas that the Government cannot evade all responsibility for the location of industry; and since 'there are no signs of industries entering most of the Special Areas, including Rhondda, whether he will now consider the whole situation with a view to taking compulsory powers in this regard?

13. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the statement contained in the report of the Commission for the Special Areas that the Government of this country will have to abandon its laissez-faireattitude on industrial location, he will now consider taking steps to rescue derelict villages by compelling foreign firms desirous of commencing business in this country to establish factories and workshops where the need for providing work for the unemployed is greatest?

Mr. E. Brown

The suggestions made by the hon. Members fall to be considered by the Royal Commission on the Geographical Distribution of the Industrial Population. The Government propose to await the report of the Commission before reaching a decision.