§ 41. Mr. MacCollasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what applications have been received, and what financial assistance has been made available, under the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Act, 1958, in order to secure a larger and a more balanced demand for labour in Widnes.
Mr. AmorySo far, only one firm and eligible application has been received for assistance under this Act for an undertaking in Widnes. This is at present under consideration.
§ Mr. MacCollIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of seasonal changes, adult unemployment has been increasing in Widnes and, on top of that, a factory has just been closed displacing 100 workers? Does he appreciate that it is urgently necessary that other industry should be brought in, and will he hasten his arrangements for finalising this proposal?
Mr. AmoryMy experience is that the Advisory Committee does consider these claims with the minimum delay. I should like to say that we are always ready to receive applications and will do everything to see that they are considered as carefully and as urgently as possible, but in many cases detailed investigations have to be made.