HC Deb 17 November 1938 vol 341 cc1024-5
10. Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now prepared to extend the advantages of the Special Areas Act to the city of Liverpool by introducing legislation having for its object the inclusion of the city in the list of areas defined as special?

17. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large volume of unemployment in Anglesea, he will consider the desirability of scheduling this district as a Special Area?

Mr. E. Brown

The Government have undertaken to introduce further legislation for the assistance of areas with heavy unemployment, but I cannot anticipate the terms of this Bill.

Mr. Kirby

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that Liverpool has the heaviest single block of unemployment in the country, and having regard to the heavy burden on the rates in respect of unemployment, will he be willing to meet Liverpool Members of Parliament at an early date in regard to this matter?

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Member knows, I am always glad to see hon. Members, and I shall be glad to see the Liverpool Members. He must understand, however, that in this case the city council has powers under the Liverpool Corporation Act, 1936, which they have used with some success.

Mr. Kirby

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that Liverpool more than any other district or area has a heavier burden of able-bodied unemployed?

Mr. Brown

I do not know, because there are other areas with a heavy burden of unemployment, but there has been a good deal of discussion on this matter between myself and the corporation.

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