§ 8. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared immediately to make inquiry to ascertain what public works, such as canal clearance, land drainage, road making, and dump clearance, could advantageously be undertaken in the South Wales coalfield; and whether he will set up an organisation to mobilise unemployed miners upon such public works in the neighbourhood of their own homes?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir. I am afraid the position in the South Wales coalfield cannot be dealt with by organising temporary employment within the area. Any efforts which are to be permanently advantageous should be directed rather to helping the unemployed men to transfer to other areas and other occupations where there are better prospects of regular work.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Transference Board are only dealing with the younger men, and what is going to become of the older men who are out of employment?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir. I do not say any such thing. My impression is that they arc dealing with the whole problem.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes not the hon. Gentleman read tile newspapers?
§ Mr. PALINGIn view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman cannot say whether the Board have found any work or not or transferred anyone to work, is it not time that they began to find some work for people who have been out of work for so long?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the older men are going to be employed by "Lloyd George"?
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the hon. Gentleman aware that "Mr. Lloyd George" is their only hope?
§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Is an hon. Member in order in referring to a Member of this House by his name?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI accept the correction, Mr. Speaker.