HC Deb 30 November 1937 vol 329 cc1899-901W
Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the lack of detailed information in the Report of the Commission for Special Areas as to the work of the agencies for establishing new industries in the special areas, such as the Special Areas Reconstruction Association and the Nuffield Trust, it is proposed to issue a report by the industrial commissioner giving detailed information as to the work of these agencies, and also a report of the efforts made, and difficulties encountered, in setting up site companies under the Special Areas (Amendment) Act of 1937?

Mr. E. Brown

The report of the Commissioner contains full information regarding the establishment of new industries in the Special Areas so far as the matter falls within his province, and I do not think therefore that any good purpose would be served by asking him to invite his Industrial Adviser to furnish a separate report.

My hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has given information from time to time on the work of the Special Areas Reconstruction Association. The Nuffield Trust is not under the control of the Government.

The establishment of Site Companies under Section 5 (1) of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act is a matter for local initiative and the question does not fall within the province of the Industrial Adviser to the Commissioner.