16. Mr. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour the number of men employed on works instituted by local authorities and others under schemes sanctioned by the Unemployment Grants Committee; the total amount of expenditure involved; and the corresponding figures for a year ago?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe number of men employed on the 25th September, 1926, on schemes assisted by the Unemployment Grants Committee was 19,351 as compared with 32,170 men employed on the 26th September, 1925. The total estimated cost of schemes approved by the Committee during the 12 months ended 30th Steptember, 1926, was £11,912,145 as compared with £21,693,923 during the year ended 30th September, 1925.
Mr. THOMSONCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why, with increased number of unemployed, the amount of the grants has been so considerably reduced?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe policy of the Government in regard to this matter was explained quite fully earlier in the year, and if the hon. Member will refer to that explanation he will see the conditions under which the Unemployment Grants Committee have considered this question.