§ 39. Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the policy of the Road Board and Development Fund Board, in spending the accumulations of their funds at a time when employment is scarce, only to make Grants to local authorities when those authorities are willing to raise money from the rates for the same purpose?
§ Mr. MONTAGUSince the establishment of the Development Commission and the Road Board, employment has been generally good, and it is impossible at present to make any general statement as to the policy to be pursued in different circumstances.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANCan the hon. Gentleman point out to the Road Board that the effect of carrying out such a policy would be to help rich districts and to leave poor districts alone?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI will convey the hon. Member's suggestion to the Road Board, but I have no control over that body.