§ 14. Mr. Leslieasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the views expressed by the Commissioner for the Special Areas of England and Wales on the question of the location of industry; and what steps he is taking to induce British or foreign firms to open industrial concerns in derelict villages in the Special Areas where suitable sites are available for factories and workshops?
§ Mr. E. BrownIn reply to the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd December, 1937. As regards the second part, the Commissioners have power under the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, to provide facilities and to offer financial inducements to new industrial undertakings in those areas. (Including undertakings of foreign origin).
§ Mr. LeslieHas the Minister given consideration to the report of the Commissioner on page 12, where he says that the Government cannot evade their responsibilities in this respect, especially after the introduction of tariffs and quotas?