HC Deb 26 January 1960 vol 616 cc7-8
10. Mr. Callaghan

asked the President of the Board of Trade what reply he has made to the request from the Cardiff City Council that, in view of the number of unemployed persons in the city and the area surrounding it, Cardiff should be designated a special area under the Local Employment Bill.

Mr. J. Rodgers

In my reply to the Cardiff City Council, I said that we would bear their representations in mind when the time came to draw up the list of places to be assisted under the Bill.

Mr. Callaghan

When is that likely to be? Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise the uncertainty in places like Cardiff? Does he know that the Cardiff Development Committee estimates that there are over 8,000 men and women unemployed within the natural catchment area for Cardiff, and does he realise that the uncertainty of the present position is causing grave repercussions?

Mr. Rodgers

I am aware of the unemployment figures for Cardiff and the surrounding area. As my right hon. Friend announced, the new list will be made available as soon as the Act is passed.

Mr. Callaghan

Will Cardiff be in it?

Mr. Rodgers

The hon. Gentleman will have to await the publication of the list.