47. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether he has received representations from various local authorities in industrial areas protesting against the Government's new Regulations restricting the grants for unemployed relief works, which will result in an increase in local rates owing to the large number of unemployed who will be thrown on the poor rate; and will he consider some modification of these restrictions until such time as the Departmental Committee on relief for necessitous areas has reported?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)Representations have been received from various local authorities with regard to the circular issued by the Unemployment Grants Committee. It is impossible to deal with the matter adequately by way of question and answer, but I hope the hon. Gentleman will raise the question in the course of the present Debate.
Mr. THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman ready to accede to the request of the municipal associations, and receive a deputation from them on that question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is, of course, obvious that a deputation, of such weight and character must be received, and I am considering now who would be the best Ministers to receive it. I want to have their case heard by all those who are directly and departmentally interested in this question.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI said I was considering what Ministers should be present when the deputation is received.