§ Miss Wilkinsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Commissioner for Special Areas has this week rejected the application for assistance from the North-Eastern Development Board; and whether in view of the fact that the refusal of the £1,500 asked for will mean the closing down of the Board almost immediately, he will give the matter further consideration so that the important planning and research activities of this organisation shall not be interrupted?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have considered this matter, but regret that I cannot hold out any hope that in present circumstances the decision can be altered. I may add that the decision is a general one and will apply to all the grants previously made by the Commissioner to Development Boards and councils concerned with the Special Areas.