18. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, owing to the Middlesbrough Corporation having already expended £1,102,585 on unemployed relief works and owing to their local rates being 20s. in the £, they have passed a resolution declaring their inability to proceed with further schemes unless they receive an increased rate of financial assistance from the Government; and will he favourably consider this request in view of the large percentage of unemployed in that town?
§ Mr. SHAWI have no exact information as to the total amount spent by the Middlesbrough Corporation on works to relieve unemployment, and although I am informed that the local rates are approximately the figure mentioned by the hon. Member, I was not aware of the resolution he quotes. It would not be possible, I am afraid, to vary the general terms of financial assistance in favour of particular localities.
Mr. THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible to vary the scale for those towns that have abnormally heavy rates due to unemployment?
§ Mr. PRINGLEWould the right hon. Gentleman not support this Corporation in carrying out the official labour policy of providing work rather than doles?