§ 35. Mr. POTTSasked the Minister of Labour what number of unemployed persons the Government require to enable the Unemployment Grants Committee to make grants to local authorities for schemes of work expressly undertaken for relief of unemployment; whether the calculation basis is one of unemployed in relation to population; if so, what percentage relation is applied in arriving at a decision; and whether the Unemployment Grants Committee have a universal system of treatment to all local authorities having regard to population and unemployment?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe Unemployment Grants Committee are authorised to consider applications from areas where unemployment is exceptional. In judging the matter comparison is made between the position of unemployment in the area and that in the country as a whole and the industrial prospects. All applications to be considered under the terms of the Unemployment Grants Committee Circular of the 15th December are subjected to the same review.
§ Mr. POTTSThe right hon. Gentleman has not yet answered my question. I want to know whether the basis on which the calculation is made for acceptance or rejection of the case is the number of unemployed in relation to population?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThere is no fixed figure or percentage which is there as a law of the Medes and Persians. They have to consider the circumstances as a whole, and that is what has happened in the past and is in prospect for the future. That is the reason why I cannot give the hon. Member a rigid reply.
§ Mr. POTTSDoes the Minister and the Department treat all the country in all areas equally in coming to a decision?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDYes.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not the fact that the latest instructions of the Ministry have 1414 made it more difficult for anyone, irrespective of population, to obtain unemployment grants?