47. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that, notwithstanding a slight decrease in the amount of unemployment in most districts, there are certain areas where unemployment is increasing, the Government will favourably consider the possibility of making such districts a grant based on a formula somewhat similar to that formerly employed to relieve necessitous school authorities or on some modified form of the same?
48. Mr. MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether he has received suggestions as to the definition of a necessitous area in regard to Poor Law relief for unemployment expenditure; and whether any decision has yet been arrived at by His Majestys Government?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the 13th July, a scheme has recently been submitted on behalf of certain Poor Law authorities which is at present under consideration.
Mr. THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a matter of very great urgency in certain districts and can he expedite a decision?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. I think the Minister of Health is acting as expeditiously as he can in order to arrive at a rapid decision, and he is a business man.