§ 76. Mr. Loganasked the Minister of Labour whether it is his intention to grant increased loan facilities to the distressed 1351 areas, and whether he will state his proposals for easing the distress in the city of Liverpool, and other areas not at present included in the existing Act?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Members for Everton (Mr. Kirby) and Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 17th November.
§ Mr. LoganSeeing that the answer given to my colleague contained no information at all, is it not possible for the hon. Gentleman to give me an answer as to whether, in regard to Liverpool, there is any intention on the part of the Ministry to do anything to redress the difficulties of the able-bodied unemployed in that city?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWith regard to the proposal as to the Government dealing with certain areas where there is heavy unemployment, I cannot anticipate the terms of the Bill, but I would remind the hon. Member of the existence of the Liverpool Corporation Act, 1936, which does give the city council power to develop what are in effect trading estates.
§ Mr. LoganIs not the hon. Gentleman able to give me a specific answer, Yes or No, to my question: Is it the intention of the Ministry to include the able-bodied unemployed as a national charge? The hon. Gentleman ought to know what he is going to do.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe hon. Member must a wait the terms of the Bill.