HC Deb 02 July 1963 vol 680 cc188-9
35. Mr. Willis

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to amend the Local Employment Act to include depopulation as a factor to be considered in the determination of areas for listing for assistance under its provisions.

Mr. Erroll

No, Sir.

Mr. Willis

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong case for doing this, that there is considerable concern about it and that certain areas are not getting the benefits which they require in order to prevent the continuing depopulation? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this?

Mr. Erroll

During the passage of the Local Employment Bill through the House in 1959–60, my predecessor made it plain that our resources were limited and that they must be concentrated on the areas of highest unemployment where people are seeking work. Therefore, it could not be used for depopulation purposes.

Mr. Manuel

Does not the Minister recognise that, because he does not include this as a principle under the Local Employment Act, what inevitably will happen is greater overcrowding in the already industrialised areas throughout the country and further depopulation in the areas which he should try to bring to life instead of helping into decay?

Mr. Erroll

Where these localities are development districts, we are doing all that is possible to bring new industry to them.