HC Deb 14 November 1968 vol 773 cc599-600
18. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what amount of aid has been allocated to the North-East to relieve winter unemployment; and what discussions he has had to determine the use of that aid.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Frederick Lee)

Four million pounds has been allocated to the development area of the Northern Region. Arrangements are being made by the Government Departments concerned, in consultation, as necessary, with local authorities and other interests, to put this work in hand.

Mr. Leadbitter

We are grateful in the North-East for this aid at this time, although we are sorry that, in spite of the excellent amount of work which has been done, it remains necessary. But is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been Press comment suggesting that, at this stage, no one knows how the aid is to be used, and will he assure the House that fullest consultations are taking place in order that the money will be used to the best advantage?

Mr. Lee

Yes, Sir; £2.7 million of it will be in transport, road programmes and so on, and there will be considerable allocations also through the Ministry of Public Building and Works, the Board of Trade and the Department of Health and Social Security.

Sir C. Osborne

Why cannot the Government honour their election promise to the whole country to provide full employment for everyone?

Mr. Lee

The hon. Gentleman is very conscientious about this, which is why he did not object to his own Government's spending less than £30 million in 1964, as against our nearly £300 million this year.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will my right hon. Friend take it that I already have word of some schemes which are going forward under this provision, which we welcome greatly, but would it not have been better not to have had to introduce it, by avoiding the general restrictive provisions which apply to our area as well as to others?

Mr. Lee

The problem is that we want to bring immediate aid to the area. We had to get on with the programme in time for the expenditure to take place this winter. I am sure my hon. Friend understands that. It would not have been possible for us to do a great deal of consultation; otherwise, the time factor would have been against us.