§ 22. Mr. Boydenasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what account he takes of the operation of the Local Employment Act in considering the special problems of the North-East.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethMy noble Friend attaches great importance to the Act and its operation in considering these problems.
§ Mr. BoydenHow is it that in 1960 nothing more was required to deal with local unemployment than the Local Employment Act, when at that particular time unemployment in my constituency was 1,600? Is the Minister aware that, thanks to the success of the Act, it is now 5,000? What is he proposing to do about it? Is he proposing to extend the Act or to alter it?
§ Mr. FreethAs I said in answer to the previous Question, any proposals which were made and which involved amending legislation would naturally be announced, if they were to be announced, by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.