HC Deb 19 December 1928 vol 223 cc3003-5
21. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men, women, boys and girls, respectively, employed on work for the relief of unemployment as a result of the circular of 9th November, 1928?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The new terms of State aid, in respect of relief works, were only announced to local authorities five weeks ago. A number of schemes are in preparation, and special steps have been taken to deal with them rapidly. It is hoped that some will commence early in the New Year. I ought to add that schemes of public work, such as the authorities were invited to submit, do not in general find employment for women, boys and girls.

Mr. TAYLOR

Can the right hon. Gentleman say for how many men these schemes will provide work?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Not until I know what the schemes are.

Mr. TAYLOR

I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say that a number of schemes have been submitted already—I was referring to those.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

They are being submitted to Lord St. Davids Committee, but I cannot give the hon. Member the figure of the exact amount of work they will provide.

Mr. RENNIE SMITH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a condition of these schemes being accepted that a local authority must undertake to draw 75 per cent. of the labour from the South Wales district?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

No, Sir. 50 per cent. from distressed areas. The exact terms are available in the Vote Office.

Mr. SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a case in my own constituency, where a scheme involving an expenditure of £14,000—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is giving information. The question on the Paper is quite definite and has been answered.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is not the Minister of Labour aware that in the case of many of these schemes the Ministry's making a condition that 50 per cent. of the labour is to be taken from South Wales?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The 50 per cent. is from distressed areas.

Mr. HANNON

On a point of Order. Will you kindly consider, Mr. Speaker, that there are 94 Questions on the Paper and ask hon. Members to curtail the number of supplementary questions?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have been trying to point that out to hon. Members for the last 20 minutes.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Is it, not the fact that the Department refuses to allow a local authority in a distressed area to promote schemes to absorb some of the unemployed. For instance, the Dowlais Rural District Council—

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.