HC Deb 13 March 1945 vol 409 cc4-5
6. Mr. Burke

asked the President of the Board of Trade when and how were the special areas determined; and what are the differences between the special areas and the proposed development areas.

Mr. Dalton

The special areas were determined in 1934 on the basis of inquiries conducted by His Majesty's Government at that time. The proposed development areas differ from the special areas by covering, in three cases out of four, a somewhat larger area and population.

Mr. Burke

Do the same factors apply, in the case of the areas that are added, as those which applied in the case of the special areas?

Mr. Dalton

Lancashire was not a special area.

Mr. Burke

But do the same factors apply to those areas that have been added to the special areas?

Mr. Dalton

I asked my hon. Friend last week, in reply to a similar question, whether he would be kind enough to await my speech on the Second Reading of the Distribution of Industry Bill, when I hope to go into the matter in detail.

Mr. Burke

It would help us very much to know in advance.

Mr. Foster

Was the percentage of unemployment existing in the area at the time the only factor, or were other factors taken into consideration?

Mr. Dalton

I would be glad if my hon. Friend would let me develop this systematically, when the Second Reading of the Bill is moved.

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