Distribution of Industry Act

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 22 January 1959.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Douglas Jay Mr Douglas Jay , Battersea North 12:00, 22 January 1959

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications have now been received for financial assistance through the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee, under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1958; and how many have been approved.

Photo of Mr Frederick Erroll Mr Frederick Erroll , Altrincham and Sale

Sixty-seven firm and eligible applications have been received under the Act, of which so far 16 have been approved.

Photo of Mr Douglas Jay Mr Douglas Jay , Battersea North

Do not these meagre results show that we shall never solve this problem until the Government follow an expansionist policy in the country as a whole?

Photo of Mr Frederick Erroll Mr Frederick Erroll , Altrincham and Sale

On the contrary, considering that the Act has been in operation for only a few months, we are getting rather good results.

Photo of Mr Ernest Fernyhough Mr Ernest Fernyhough , Jarrow

In order that we may judge just how enthusiastically this new Act is being administered, could the hon. Gentleman tell us what is the value of the Government grants in regard to these 16 approvals?

Photo of Mr Frederick Erroll Mr Frederick Erroll , Altrincham and Sale

No, Sir; not without notice.