HC Deb 21 September 1939 vol 351 cc1033-5
2. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement indicating what changes, if any, are contemplated in the work of the Commissioner for Special Areas during the emergency?

6. Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement regarding the policy of the Government in relation to the Special Areas?

Mr. E. Brown

It is not proposed for the present that the Commissioners for the Special Areas should enter into any new commitments save in very special circumstances. In general the schemes already initiated by the Commissioners, including the trading estates and the land settlement schemes, will be continued, but a number of items are being examined in the light of their particular circumstances, in order that a decision may be reached as to their continuance or otherwise.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Does that mean that in the future the work of the Special Areas Commissioner is to come to an end, and does that indicate that the Government now conclude that there is no war work to be done in the Special Areas?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir, if the hon. Member will read my answer he will find that he cannot draw that conclusion. He will understand that when we are dealing with commitments involving buildings and work of that kind we have to take other considerations into account now.

Mr. Griffiths

But it means that there will be no new commitments?

Mr. Brown

Save in very special circumstances.

Mr. Neil Maclean

Are we to take it that this means an extension of the work of the Special Areas Commissioner in order to bring in other areas which are not at present classified?

Mr. Brown

Oh, no.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the commitments that have been made are not being carried out, that schemes that were being considered are now suspended altogether, and that, irrespective of party, there is apprehension in the Special Areas as to the position?

Mr. Brown

I am not aware of any grounds for that apprehension. I have already said in the House that schemes already initiated by the Commissioner, including the trading estates and land settlement schemes, will be continued.

Mr. Lawson

Will the Minister see that there is no winding-up of these schemes, as it is certain that when these times are passed there will be very grave need for special consideration to be given to these areas?

Mr. Magnay

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in the matter of Government work preference is given to what are, in effect, infant industries in these Special Areas?

Mr. Robert Gibson

Is it the case that the Special Areas Commissioner for Scotland has rejoined his military unit, and are other arrangements being made for the carrying on of the work?

Mr. Brown

I would ask the hon. and learned Member to put that question to the Secretary of State for Scotland, who answers for Scotland in these matters.