HC Deb 03 March 1960 vol 618 cc1418-9
39. Dame Irene Ward

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take to meet the representations, regarding the provisions of the Local Employment Bill, made to Her Majesty's Government, by the dry dock owners, in a letter of which he has received a copy.

Mr. J. Rodgers

I would refer the hon. Lady to the statement I made on this point last week in the debate on Local Employment Areas.

Dame Irene Ward

My hon. Friend said that there was validity in the complaint that I made. Are steps being taken in another place to protect the interests of the dry dock owners who have serious complaints against the conduct of the Bill during the final stage in the House of Commons?

Mr. Rodgers

To be precise, I did not say that there was validity in my hon. Friend's argument. I said that it had limited validity. I thought that I made it clear that the dry dock people could apply for assistance, and that the case would be considered by B.O.T.A.C. along with any other enterprise, but it would be to the advantage of the area if we could diversify industry there.