§ 51. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that local authorities in distressed areas find difficulty in starting relief works for the unemployed owing to the fact that they have already incurred very heavy debts, he will make an offer to local authorities of a larger financial contribution from the State?
Mr. GUINNESSA considerable increase in the State grants for unemployment schemes was made last year. These are now on a generous scale, and I see no adequate grounds for increasing them still further. I would remind the Noble Lord that the State also has very heavy debts to meet.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKDid not the right hon. Gentleman and his colleague move a Vote of Censure on the late Government for not meeting the demands of the unemployed? What more has the present Government done than the late Government?
Mr. BECKETTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are prepared to consider paying the insurance amounts to the local authorities where trade union rates are paid to the extra men employed?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.