§ 14. Mr. Greyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has completed his survey of the development areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Henry Strauss)I cannot yet add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 16th December last.
§ Mr. GreyIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the great concern that was caused in the development areas as a result of the original statement? How long will it be before such a statement will be issued?
§ Mr. StraussI think that the hon. Member has in mind the survey that must take place before any possible removal from the Schedule of the Act is considered. I think that he will agree that this is a difficult and complicated question which should not be prematurely decided. I would remind him that if there appears to be a case for the removal of an area from the Schedule, consultation would have to follow with all the authorities concerned.
§ Mr. StraussI think that the hon. Member may have misunderstood me. I cannot tell how long these investigations will take but, if after investigation it should be decided that there was some case for the removal of an area from the Schedule, then consultation would take place.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the hon. and learned Gentleman say whether there are any actual investigations going on at the present time or whether the whole thing has been dropped for the time being?
§ Mr. StraussCertain inquiries are going on.