§ 1. Mr. Dingle Footasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of directing that Section 5 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, shall apply to Dundee; and whether he will refer any representations made to this effect to the advisory committee appointed in pursuance of the said Section?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)In order to take advantage of Section 5 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, it is necessary to form a site company, by means of which 2080 assistance could be given in accordance with the provisions of the Section. This is a matter for local initiative, and, as soon as there is a reasonable prospect of a formation of a site company, formal representations should be made to me in accordance with Section 5 (2) of the Act for reference to the advisory committee.
§ Mr. FootIf such representations are made to the right hon. Gentleman, will he, in considering them, bear in mind the fact that the setting up of trading estates in Special Areas, while no doubt an admirable measure in itself, greatly diminishes the chance of attracting new industries to other areas where there is higher unemployment?
§ Miss HorsbrughWould it not be better to protect the jute industry, rather than seek to introduce other industries?
§ Mr. FootDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that in the industrial parts of Scotland it is very desirable that there should be a greater variety of industries?
§ Mr. George GriffithsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman know that tariffs have almost taken the unemployment out of Dundee? The senior Member has told us that repeatedly.