§ 43. Mr. Urwinasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will seek to extend the powers of local authorities under Part 1 of the 1960 Local Employment Act beyond the expiry date of March, 1967.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. George Darling)My right hon. Friend is currently considering the form of the legislation which will be required to extend and amend Part I of the Act.
§ Mr. UrwinI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he explain a little further whether this will help local authorities with the programmes which will be in train by the time Part I is expended.
§ Mr. DarlingYes, Sir. I think that my hon. Friend is referring to Sections 5 and 7 of the Act about the clearing of derelict land and the improvement of basic services. I can give the assurance that my right hon. Friend will seek powers in the new legislation to honour commitments which were made under those Sections, and I feel sure that the House will give him those powers.