HC Deb 23 December 1929 vol 233 cc1891-2
30. Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of unemployed men who will be given work on the 33 land drainage schemes sanctioned by his Department since the assumption of office by the present Government?

Mr. N. BUXTON

During November 315 men, of whom 262 were engaged through the Employment Exchanges, were at work on 20 schemes. Details are not yet available for the other 13 schemes, some of which are only about to start, but it is estimated that a total of about 475 men will be required, almost all of whom will be obtained either from depressed areas or from local unemployed.

Major COLVILLE

Does the Minister consider that this is really a very valuable contribution to the solution of unemployment?

Mr. BUXTON

These are schemes which can be arranged with existing drainage authorities or county councils. For larger schemes, I sum afraid that we must await further legislation.

Captain EDEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us to what profitable use this land can be put when he has finished his work?