HC Deb 26 May 1938 vol 336 cc1371-2
31. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the fact that facilities granted to the Special Areas for attracting industries are likely to have an adverse effect on other industrial areas, and that already there have been cases of established concerns being drawn away from their home town to a Special Area, notably at Wolverhampton; and whether he will take steps to discourage this from occurring?

Mr. E. Brown

In carrying out the duty placed upon him by Parliament in the Special Areas Acts of encouraging the development of new industrial enterprises in the Special Areas, the Commissioner and his industrial advisers pay due regard to the position in other parts of the country. I am not aware of any cases in which established industries have been transferred.

Mr. Mander

Is it the policy of the Government to encourage old-established businesses in the Midlands to go to other areas, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this has actually occurred at Wolverhampton?

Mr. Brown

I am not aware that it has happened, and I should be very interested to have the facts. I have tried to make clear by my answer what has been made clear many times, that that is not the policy of the Special Areas Commissioner.