HC Deb 11 October 1945 vol 414 c393
35. Mr. John Beattie

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the total number of new industries established in Northern Ireland in the past six months due to the Distribution of Industry Act, recently passed by this House.

Mr. Ede

The Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, docs not apply to Northern Ireland. If my hon. Friend would communicate with me as to the information he desires, I will do my best to obtain it.

Mr. Beattie

Could the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House the reason why Northern Ireland is not included in the Distribution of Industry Act?

Mr. Ede

That Measure was passed during the last Parliament at a time when my hon. Friend was a Member of this House. The issue should really have been raised then.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is not Northern Ireland to be treated as a development area in accordance with the terms of this Act?

Mr. Ede

I do not think I can be asked to interpret an Act of Parliament at this Box.