§ 35. Mr. G. HALLasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Merthyr Tydvil and the Pontypridd Boards of Guardians have on their relief lists thousands of unemployed men and their dependants for whom no employment can be found; and whether, in view of the burden thrown upon the local rates, he is now in a position to say what action he proposes to take to relieve these and other unions suffering similar disabilities from these financial burdens?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that large numbers of persons are in receipt of relief in the two unions named. With regard to the latter part of the question, I can add nothing to the statements made on behalf of the Government in the frequent debates on the position of what are called the necessitous areas.
§ Mr. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is estimated that the sum of £100,000 will have to be spent under this head by the Merthyr Tydvil Union alone, and that this represents a rate of three shillings in the pound? Is that not of sufficient importance to justify a reconsideration of the right hon. Gentleman's attitude in relation to this question?