HC Deb 03 June 1946 vol 423 cc1590-1
20. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to encourage the industrial development of the Western Isles.

Mr. Belcher

The possibility of expanding industry in the Western Isles is under urgent examination, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and the other Ministers concerned, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not easy to attract new industry to this remoter part of the British Isles. I shall be happy to consider any suggestions he may have to make for this district.

Mr. MacMillan

Is my hon. Friend aware that we are gradually moving towards the end of a full Session of Parliament and that I have received a similar answer to this since the beginning of Parliament, that the conditions are similar to those of 1936 which this House, by Resolution, regarded as conditions of distress, and as these conditions are rapidly deteriorating, will not the Government take some initiative in the matter?

Mr. Belcher

I would not accept the criticism implied in the last part of my hon. Friend's question, and all I can suggest is that the best way of meeting this matter is for him to come and see me, when I shall be very pleased to discuss it with him.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that there are hundreds of unemployed men in the Western Isles who, during the war, were engaged in mine sweeping and rendered yeoman service second to none in the British Empire? Surely the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Supply ought to be able to get together and do something to get them work.

Mr. Belcher

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the very high level of unemployment in the Western Isles—[An HON. MEMBER: " Why not do something?"] If the hon. Member opposite will spare me his interruptions I will try to show what we are doing about it. Early in March, at the request of the Scottish Regional Industries Panel, the Scottish Home Department agreed to conduct an inquiry, with the other Scottish Departments concerned, into the question of unemployment in this area. The Committee has not yet reported but I can give the assurance that when the report is received there will be no hesitation on the part of the Board of Trade doing what it can to ease what, I agree, is a most difficult situation.

Mr. Kirkwood

Will the hon. Gentleman do all that lies in his power to get this Committee to send in its report at once? If the members were unemployed and depending on 24s. a week, they would get a move on.

Mr. Belcher

Yes, Sir.

Mr. MacMillan

I beg to give notice that, in view of the most unsatisfactory answer, I shall raise this matter at the earliest possible moment.