§ 17. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Minister of Labour what classes of schemes for the relief of unemployment are still eligible for grants by the Unemployment Grants Committee?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDDetails of the schemes which have been the subject of grant by the Unemployment Grants Committee in the past are given in the Appendix to the Sixth (Interim) Report of the Committee published in January of this year. With the exception of road works, which are now dealt with by the
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI say that during the latter weeks in which they have been functioning, they have been among the agencies which have helped. What they have done, has been to co-operate with the existing administrative agencies for doing the work and to get extra pressure brought to bear. The Ministry of Labour and the other Departments with which we are associated, have been trying, right through these last months, to find openings wherever possible.
§ Mr. E. BROWN rose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe have spent a long time on this question. This is now becoming a Debate.
§ Following is the statement:
§ Ministry of Transport, all such schemes are still eligible for grant if the existing conditions are satisfied.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the Report available in the Vote Office?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI think so.
§ 18. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Minister of Labour if instructions have been issued to the Unemployment Grants Committee not to consider any schemes of road construction or road maintenance for grants in aid as schemes for relief of unemployment?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAs stated in the Sixth (Interim) Report of the Unemployment Grants Committee the Government decided in June, 1926, that grants to local authorities for purposes of road construction and repair should in future be administered only by the Ministry of Transport. Since that date applications for grants in aid of such schemes have been referred by the Committee to that Department.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that such schemes as flagging footpaths have been turned down by the Committee as not suitable because they come under the head of road work; and to which Department should application be made in such cases?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAs to whether a footpath is a road, or part of a road, is a matter which I should have to consider from that point of view. Perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down again.
Sir F. HALLAs this seems to be a difficulty as between two Departments, could not something be done to prevent any loss of time and labour being involved?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI do not assume that there is any difficulty. This is the first time that I have heard of it.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs not the real trouble that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is holding up these schemes?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThat is not the case at all.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDDo the Government intend to hold back the schemes until the near approach of a General Election?