49. Mrs. Braddockasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the effect of cuts in capital expenditure on the unemployment position in Liverpool, due to the hold-up in building new factories and extensions of present industries, and consider modifying these.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)The cuts in capital expenditure in the Liverpool area have recently been reviewed and relaxations have been made especially in respect of works which do not make heavy calls on scarce resources. For the present, however, it is still necessary to concentrate largely on the completion of factories in progress which will make a quick contribution to exports or import saving.
Mrs. BraddockIs the Minister aware that there are projects in Liverpool on 1089 the three trading estates which would employ 3,500 people at Kirby, 2,500 at Fazackerly, and 7,200 at Speke, and that these projects are being held up for various reasons? In view of the unemployment situation in Liverpool, will the Minister ask his right hon. and learned Friend to review the situation of capital cuts in that area?
§ Mr. JayWe have selected the schemes which we think will give most employment quickly, and they will continue, but if the hon. Lady has in mind any other schemes which she thinks should go forward, I shall be very happy to look into them.
§ Mr. AustinIs my hon. Friend aware that one of the difficulties in this connection is that certain business premises in Liverpool are occupied by football pool promoters? Will he, therefore, consider requisitioning these premises for the use of the cotton industry?
§ Mr. C. WilliamsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the same sort of misfortune is happening in many other parts of the country?