HC Deb 09 March 1910 vol 14 cc1456-7
Mr. GOLDMAN

asked the President of the Local Government Board what were the amounts of the grants made in each of the last three years out of the sums voted by Parliament for the relief of distress due to unemployment; and what proportion of this total had been granted to authorities in Cornwall?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

The expenditure in England and Wales out of the Parliamentary Grant for the three years ending 31st March, 1907, 1908, and 1909, was £105,420, £124,195, and £232,738 respectively. The money is voted by Parliament for the purposes of the Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905, and consequently it is only available for distribution amongst the Central (Unemployed) Body for London and the distress committees set up under the Act. There are no such committees in Cornwall.

Mr. GOLDMAN

In view of the fact that distress does exist in Cornwall, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the necessary authority is created to deal with it?

Mr. BURNS

I have received no applications from Cornwall during the past twelve months.

Mr. CLYNES

Can the right hon. Gentleman now announce to the House anything with regard to his intentions for the current year in reference to unemployment?

Mr. BURNS

At this moment, no.