HC Deb 17 December 1919 vol 123 cc389-90
26. Captain R. TERRELL

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the advisability of stimulating every county council in England to do what is necessary in the direction of cleaning out rivers, digging stones, and making good the roads along the different green lanes which lead from place to place, so as to find work for men who are unemployed; and if he has not so considered this matter if he will do so?

Sir R. HORNE

Immediately following the Armistice, the President of the Local Government Board and the Secretary for Scotland issued a Circular to all local authorities impressing upon these authorities the advantage of preparing a careful programme of public works which could usefully be put in hand as soon as the requisite materials and labour were available, and the local employment committees of my Department have lost no opportunity of bringing all useful classes of employment, such as those suggested in the question, to the notice of local authorities. I do not doubt that they will act upon them as occasion arises.

Mr. R. RICHARDSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the question of the prevention of coast erosion on the East Coast?

Sir R. HORNE

There have been schemes of that kind considered. They have not been left out of account, but, without notice, I cannot say to what extent any such operations have begun.