§ 76. Mr. WILLIAM GRAHAMasked the Minister of Labour whether the unemployment grants committee have decided not In give further assistance to relief schemes for the Edinburgh unemployed; whether he is aware that for several years there have been between 12,000 and 15,000 people unemployed every week in the city; that the Edinburgh Parish Council and the ratepayers have expended large sums of money in providing relief and work in what is clearly a national burden; and whether, in view of certain constructional works of importance which it was proposed to cover, with Government assistance, to provide employment, this decision can be reconsidered?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI understand the Unemployment Grants Committee are unable to regard the amount of unemployment at Edinburgh as so exceptional as to bring it within the limits of their authority to make grants. On the informal ion now before I regret. I cannot hold out any hope that this decision can be reconsidered.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the north of England members have all received a circular from the Darlington Corporation protesting against the refusal of any further unemployment grant?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir. I was not aware of that.