§ 27. Mr. Brockwayasked the Minister of Labour what conclusions Her Majesty's Government have reached on the recommendations of the Report on Unemployment, prepared for the International Labour Office, that Governments should proceed with advanced planning to forestall unemployment, including a programme for the production and export of large quantities of capital equipment and an expansion of international monetary reserves.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)The International Labour Office Report on the World Employment Situation has not yet been referred to Governments for their consideration.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile it is clear that European nations are able to withstand the effect of a recession in America more effectively than in the inter-war years, is it not the case that the danger has not passed? Will the Minister look at these recommendations when they are before the Government, especially those which urge greater investment at home and, particularly, in Colonial Territories?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, we will certainly study them but, as my answer made clear, they have not yet been referred to Governments.
§ Mr. BoardmanWhile it is rather late in the day to talk about advanced planning in connection with Lancashire's unemployment problem, may I ask the Minister whether he will do what he can to encourage his Cabinet colleagues to bring about diversification of industry in Lancashire in view of the fact that Lancashire's current problems arise out of the single fact of exporting capital goods to other parts of the world?