§ 13. Mr. Lawsonasked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have yet arrived at any decision in respect of the continuance of the Special Areas Act; and, if so, whether he will now make a statement on the matter?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have nothing to add to the answers which I gave to the junior Member for Dundee (Mr. Foot) on 21st July.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of applications are awaiting consideration? Can he tell us whether it is the object of the Government to withdraw this one meagre piece of work from the Special Areas?
§ Mr. BrownThere is nothing to prevent the applications going forward. The answer to which I referred was that no decision had been taken on the matter. Therefore, the law stands.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that applications are being held up and consideration of them refused?