§ 12. Mr. SULLIVANasked the Lord Privy Seal what is being done to provide work in the county of Lanark for the unemployed during the coming winter?
Mr. THOMASThe general position has been under discussion between the County Council and the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Transport, butt I understand that no detailed proposals have been received from the local authorities. My hon. Friend will remember that in the Debate on the 4th certain alterations were announced in the terms applicable to Lanarkshire, and if the local authorities make proposals on those conditions they will be sympathetically considered.
§ Mr. SULLIVANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local authorities are waiting for the terms?
Mr. THOMASI was officially in formed by those who represent Lanarkshire that a meeting took place on Saturday last at which the whole matter was discussed, and it would be unfair for me to express an opinion until I have received the proposals emerging from that meeting.
§ Captain WATERHOUSEIs it not a fact that local authorities throughout the country are most dissatisfied with the dilatory action of the Government?
Mr. THOMASIt may be, as the hon. and gallant Member suggests, that local authorities throughout the country are dissatisfied with the dilatory action of the Government, but it may equally be true that the local authorities know how much better terms this Government are giving than the last one gave.