§ 50. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and the Minister for Welsh Affairs whether, in view of the growing unemployment in South Wales, he will now withdraw Circular No. 54/52 and renew grants under Section 3 of the Distribution of Industry Act.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)I am prepared to consider applications under Section 3 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, in cases of exceptional industrial urgency.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIs not that no change at all from the statement made some two years ago? As this circular was issued in 1952, surely the circumstances have changed. Is not the labour now available, and the work there? Why does not the right hon. Gentleman make the money available?
§ Mr. BrookeThe principles of this circular, which was headed "Economies in Local Government Services," still apply, but I had hoped that my Answer to the right hon. Gentleman's original Question would be helpful to him.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill the Minister now consider withdrawing this circular in appropriate areas where the local authorities are confronted with an unemployment problem?
§ Mr. BrookeI do not think there can be any question of withdrawing a circular which calls attention to the need for economy. As I have said, I will consider applications under Section 3 of the 1945 Act.