HC Deb 12 May 1925 vol 183 cc1668-9
45. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSON

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Unemployment Committee of the Middlesbrough Corporation have decided that, owing to the heavy capital liabilities incurred by them on unemployment relief works and in view of the high local rates which are crippling industry, they cannot undertake any further schemes unless the Government will increase their percentage grant; and, seeing that there are over 9,000 unemployed in Middlesbrough and the number is increasing, what steps does the Government propose to take in this matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR(Mr. Betterton)

I have been asked to reply. No communication announcing such a decision has been received from the Middlesbrough Corporation. As recently as the 8th April, a letter was received by the Unemployment Grants Committee from the corporation saying that they had been considering what further useful schemes could be put into operation, and submitting one for approval.

Mr. THOMSON:

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the statement contained in the question is correct, and that the Unemployment Grants Committee decided that they could do no more; and, in view of that, is not the Government able to give some further assistance to prevent unemployment works stopping entirely in that district?

Mr. BETTERTON:

With regard to the second part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, I think that he put that question to the Minister of Health the other day, and I would refer him to the reply. With regard to the first part of his supplementary question, I am not aware of that, and I should have to make further inquiries