HC Deb 03 March 1920 vol 126 c421
27. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Minister of Labour if he has received a copy of a resolution passed by the borough council of Great Yarmouth to the effect that the weekly amount paid to demobilised soldiers and sailors in the borough should be paid to the council, who would provide work of public utility for these men, the amount received being applied towards the wages of the men so employed; and, if such proposal meets with his approval, will steps be taken to carry it into effect?

Mr. PARKER

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to by the hon. Member. The suggestion made is one which has been put before me on several occasions.

Wherever works of public utility are required, it is the part of the local authority to initiate them and to pay in the ordinary way the wages of the men employed. If the principle contained in the resolution were recognised, every local authority which is carrying out public works would ask for a subsidy to the amount of the unemployment donation which would have been drawn by the men whom they employ. I accordingly regret that, however plausible the procedure suggested might be in individual cases, I cannot advise it to be adopted.

Sir A. FELL

But is not the question one, not of benefiting the town or the county only, but also the men themselves?

Mr. PARKER

I will convey the suggestion to my right hon Friend.