HC Deb 05 May 1926 vol 195 cc270-1
20. Mr. T. THOMSON

asked the Minister of Labour the cost of relief work schemes sanctioned by the Unemployment Grants Committee at the present time; the number of men employed; and similar figures for a year ago?

Mr. BETTERTON

The total estimated cost of schemes approved during 12 months ended 31st March, 1926, was £16,399,275, as compared with £19,689,990 during the year ended 31st March, 1925. The number of men employed on the 27th March, 1926, on schemes assisted by the Committee was 33,596, as compared with 44,400 men employed on the 28th March, 1925.

Mr. THOMSON

In view of their being nearly 1,000,000 unemployed, might not this 33,000 be increased?

Mr. BETTERTON

That is obviously a question which I cannot answer.

Mr. PALING

In view of the fact that a great number of unemployment schemes have been turned down, would it not be a relatively easy matter to increase this number?

Mr. BETTERTON

That, again, is a matter I cannot deal with in answer to a question.