HC Deb 23 June 1952 vol 502 cc1837-8
42 and 43. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Supply (1) why certain areas in Lancashire are specially zoned for his Department's contracts;

(2) what are the areas in Lancashire that are specially zoned for the placing of his Department's contracts.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

In order to save time, with the hon. Member's permission, I will answer these Questions together.

The only areas which are permanently accorded preferential treatment in the allocation of Government orders are the scheduled Development Areas. In the placing of orders under the special scheme for accelerating textile contracts special consideration is given to localities which are being most severely hit by the current recession in the textile industry.

Mr. Hale

Also to save time, I will ask one supplementary to the answers to both Questions. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave disquiet in Oldham and that the situation has changed so greatly that manufacturers are being told that they will have no chance of being given a contract because special attention is being given to other areas? Oldham itself is very much a distressed area.

Mr. Sandys

As I explained in my answer, areas which are severely affected by the recession in the textile industry are getting special treatment. I would not like to say, in answer to a supplementary question, which areas are most severely affected.