54. Captain ARTHUR EVANSasked the Minister of Labour why the six schemes prepared by the Leicester local authorities which would have provided work for a thousand men at present out of employment in that city have been turned down by the Government, especially in view of the fact that unemployment has not decreased in Leicester during the last year; and, in view of the coming winter and the fact that the bad outlook in the shoe trade will tend to increase the numbers of unemployed, will he favourably consider one of the schemes presented by the local authorities which were drawn up at the request of the Ministry?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERThe Unemployment Grants Committee, after fully considering the facts, came to the conclusion that the unemployment in Leicester did not warrant the giving of grants in respect of the schemes. Should unemployment in Leicester increase, the Committee will be fully prepared to reconsider their decision.
Captain EVANSWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me his assurance that in considering these schemes Leicester City should receive a grant in proportion to the number of unemployed in that city?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI will give my hon. and gallant Friend the assurance that I will report his desire to my right hon. Friend.