§ 57. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister whether he will now pay an official visit to areas where the percentage rate of unemployment is six or more.
§ The Prime MinisterIt would not be possible for me to pay such a visit in the near future. But Departmental Ministers are at present engaged on a series of visits to places with a serious unemployment problem and are reporting on the results of their investigations.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the Prime Minister aware that, while we fully realise that he would be fully occupied in visiting all such places, nevertheless if he had accepted this suggestion when I made it some months ago his job would have been very much lighter than it will be if he makes these visits now? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to go, if he has the opportunity, and explain to these people that they have never had it so good?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat we are trying to do, and what I think the whole House would like us to try to do, is to concentrate on trying to relieve these areas which have a special problem of their own.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn view of the statement that Ministers will be reporting to the Prime Minister on their visits to these areas, can we expect a new statement on Government policy to bring work to this part of the country?
§ The Prime MinisterThis matter is continuously before the House, and there are opportunities, if the right hon. Gentleman wishes to take them, to debate it as well as discuss it by question and answer.