67. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, according to the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for November, the percentage of unemployed in the North-Eastern district on 23rd October was 42.5 per cent, in shipbuilding and 26.7 in engineering, as compared with an average rate of unemployment for the whole of the country of 12 per cent, in insured trades; and, in view of the extra burden thrown on the ratepayers in this district on account of relief granted to able-bodied unemployed as compared with the burden borne by the rest of the country, will he consider the desirability of equalising the burden by making special grants to such necessitous industrial areas, as is already done in the Metropolitan Poor Law area and also by the Board of Education in certain necessitous school areas?
§ Sir M. BARLOWMy right hon. Friend is aware of the heavy unemployment in the North-eastern district. As at present advised, however, he has no reason to suppose that the needs of the situation are not adequately met by the arrangements under which local authorities can, with his sanction, contract loans to carry them over the present difficult times. 288 He doubts whether any equalisation on the lines of the schemes mentioned in the question would be practicable.
Mr. THOMSONWill the right hon. gentleman represent to the Minister of Health that direct loans for six months, or even five years, only add to the rates; and cannot the Government come to some decision on this point with regard to necessitous areas before the House rises?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI will see that the matter is fully put before the Minister of Health.