HC Deb 02 February 1939 vol 343 cc389-90W
Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Labour when he is likely to be able to give a reply to the all-party deputation of Liverpool Members who met him on the 13th December last to discuss unemployment in Liverpool?

Mr. E. Brown

As the hon. Member knows, the deputation raised a number of points. As regards the application of the Special Areas Acts to Liverpool, I would refer him to the reply which I have just given to the hon. Member for the Scotland Division (Mr. Logan). As regards the other points, the information with regard to establishments in Liverpool suitable for work under the Defence programme has been brought to the attention of the Departments concerned, and I have written to the hon. and learned Member for West Derby (Mr. Fyfe) regarding the scope of the Unemployment Assistance Scheme.

Mr. Logan

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of representations made to him, he is, when framing new legislation, prepared to abolish the present distinction between the Special Areas and others suffering from unemployment; and, in particular, can he state what he proposes to do for Liverpool?

Mr. E. Brown

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths). I cannot, of course, in advance of the legislation mentioned in that reply, say how the position of Liverpool will be affected.