HC Deb 28 April 1955 vol 540 cc1048-9
9. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has not yet made any detailed reply to the proposals relating to action by Her Majesty's Government for overcoming Northern Ireland employment, submitted to him five months ago by the right hon. Member for Blyth and other hon. Members.

Major Lloyd-George

The proposals to ameliorate the unemployment position in Northern Ireland submitted by the hon. Member and his right hon. and hon. Friends, together with the suggestions made by the hon. Members of the Ulster Unionist Party, covered an extremely wide field. They are being very carefully examined. In addition, those of my colleagues chiefly concerned and I have had the opportunity of a discussion with the Acting Prime Minister and other members of the Northern Ireland Government about the complexities of the short and long-term remedies which might be adopted.

I cannot say at present when it will be possible to communicate to the hon. Member and his right hon. and hon. Friends the views of Her Majesty's Government upon these proposals.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the Home Secretary not aware that we have had that sort of reply for months, and that all the time unemployment is mounting? Can he not give a definite reply now on the proposals to establish a development corporation with executive powers and on the proposal to build a dry dock?

Major Lloyd-George

There is to be an opportunity for a debate on this matter, so I am told, before the House dissolves. We can then have more detail than I am prepared to give now, because it would take too long. I assure the hon. Member that I shall then tell him as much as possible.

Mr. Robens

In view of the debate that may possibly take place next week, may I ask whether the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will be able then specifically to answer all the questions and deal with all the points that were put forward in the memorandum which was submitted to him?

Major Lloyd-George

Yes, I think I can give the right hon. Gentleman that assurance. I will deal with most of them, at any rate. There are, of course, other matters in regard to the short-term problem, which is of equal importance.