HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 c1323
34. Sir William Darling

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to review the present limitation of special areas; and if he has in view the consideration of including the port of Leith in accordance with Election promises.

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Stafford Cripps)

The employment trends in all parts of the country are under constant examination and additions to the areas scheduled under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, can be made at any time, if circumstances justify. I do not consider that the present position calls for the scheduling of Leith, but I shall, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, continue to watch the situation closely.

Sir W. Darling

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Edinburgh Town Council, whose jurisdiction includes the port of Leith, have held a public meeting in his connection, and that it has been asserted by one of the members of that council that no man in Leith, in employment, walks about except in fear of unemployment? What does he intend to do in these circumstances?

Sir S. Cripps

Examine all the statements, and the position generally.