31. Mr. T. 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?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)The number of men employed on the 29th January, 1927, on schemes assisted by the Unemployment Grants Committee was 14,510, as compared with 33,273 men employed on the 30th January, 1926. The total estimated cost of schemes approved by the Committee during the 12 months ended 31st January, 1927, was £6,355,979, as compared with £19,532,111 during the year ended 31st January, 1926.
Mr. THOMSONIn view of the great increase in the number of unemployed, is it not possible to increase the number of men employed on this class of work?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat raises a question of policy, with which I cannot deal in answer to a question.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it the policy of the Department to reduce the sum of money for this purpose year by year, as has been done?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question does not raise the matter of policy.