HC Deb 28 June 1937 vol 325 cc1642-3
46. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is intended to present a report to Parliament upon the work of the Special Areas Reconstruction Association; and, if so, when the report will be ready for publication?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I have given the House information from time to time on the association's activities and, as the hon. Member knows, there is an annual Vote for the grant to the association. I do not consider that a formal report would be appropriate.

Mr. Griffiths

Since it is more than 12 months since the organisation was first set up, will not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of asking the representatives of this board to present a formal report to Members of the House, so that we may be better able to estimate the value of the work which is being done by them?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

As the hon. Member knows, I gave a considerable amount of information a few days ago in the form of a table, which I circulated in the OFFICAL REPORT. I do not think this is an appropriate matter for a formal report, hut the work of the association can be discussed when the Vote comes up in Parliament. I will certainly take into consideration anything that the hon. Member says on this subject.