§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the Amendment which he proposes to introduce into the Unemployed Bill (lines 38 to 40), and which gives power to the central body to apply public money in the form of rates to the acquisition of land, with the consent of the Local Government Board, would enable them to lease or to purchase land for the purpose of creating farm colonies.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, Sir. Under the Amendment a central body would be enabled to defray out of funds 933 supplied by contributions from the rates the expenses of purchasing land or taking it on lease for the establishment of farm colonies. But the consent of the Local Government Board would be required.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIEMay I ask whether, under the clause as re-drafted, there will be any power to keep these colonies going out of public funds.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo. Such farm colonies will depend for maintenance entirely on voluntary contributions.