HC Deb 29 July 1941 vol 373 cc1262-3W
Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister without Portfolio, whether he will give particulars and personnel of the various bodies undertaking surveys in connection with post-war problems; and the degree to which his Department is financing them?

Mr. Greenwood

It would be impossible for me to provide my hon. Friend with a list of all the surveys which are being undertaken by independent agencies in connection with post-war problems. The only survey which is receiving financial support from the Government is the Social Reconstruction Survey instituted under the auspices of the Nuffield College authorities. Full particulars of the personnel employed by the Survey and of the financial support which the Government is providing towards the expenses of the Survey were given in my answer to the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Pickthorn) on 2nd July.

Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether, in a consideration of plans to deal with the post-war situation, it is intended to have regard to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Distribution of the Industrial Population; and whether he will consider such plans to be of immediate importance and urgency?

Mr. Greenwood

The Government have already had under consideration the Report of the Royal Commission on the Distribution of the Industrial Population in the light of the changes in the industrial situation since the report was prepared. Plans for dealing with the postwar situation in this and other fields are being examined with full regard to the importance of the issues involved.

Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether it is proposed to await the result of any post-war reconstruction surveys before laying before Parliament any plan for dealing with the problems that will arise after the war, such as unemployment due to the existence of special areas; and, if not, when it is proposed to produce such plans for discussion in the House?

Mr. Greenwood

The Government will complete all the preliminary investigations which are necessary before any plans for dealing with post-war problems are produced to the House, and in particular they are making a full study of all the complex issues involved before producing plans for dealing with unemployment.