HC Deb 02 March 1939 vol 344 cc1428-9
36. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any further statement as to what plans the Government has to establish industries in the derelict villages of the Special Areas?

Mr. E. Brown

As has been made clear on a number of occasions, the Commissioner for the Special Areas is always prepared in suitable circumstances to provide a factory and to offer other facilities to industrialists who propose to establish new industrial undertakings in the Special Areas, and that the Government is most anxious that the fullest use will be made of these and the other loan facilities provided.

Mr. Leslie

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many industries have been set up in these derelict villages?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Member will put that question down, I will give him the information.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in his great enthusiasm for establishing various industries in distressed areas, bear in mind the fact that there are areas which are not scheduled as Special Areas but which are nevertheless distressed?