§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Development Commissioners have any scheme or schemes under consideration or in contemplation which could be turned to account during the next period of trade depression in providing employment on a considerable scale?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)I understand that the Commissioners have, or expect to have shortly under their consideration schemes and applications for advances from the Development Fund for the purposes, among others, of forestry, harbour improvements and construction, and land reclamation and drainage. The question how far the schemes, if ultimately sanctioned by the Treasury and adopted, will provide employment depends, of course, on the amount of money available, having regard to the position of the Development Fund and the other claims upon it.
Sir GILBERT PARKERWill not the final responsibility of the Commissioners of the Development Fund exclude any expenditure for charity?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI must ask for notice of that. I could not answer offhand.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEWill schemes which promise to provide employment receive priority of treatment over any scheme for the improvement of horses?