§ 41. Mr. McSHANEasked the Lord Privy Seal how many schemes for the relief of unemployment have been submitted for approval by the Walsall Town Council; what is the total amount of such schemes; how many have been approved; what is the total sum of money involved; and how many men he estimates will be employed as a result?
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. J. H. Thomas)The Unemployment Grants Committee have approved schemes in Walsall estimated to cost £48,000 and the Ministry of Transport schemes estimated to cost £39,000. I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Viscountess ASTORCan the right hon. Gentleman say if any of those schemes include the employment of women?
§ Mr. THOMASI have no knowledge of the details.
§ Following are the details:
§ Since the 1st June, 1929, the Unemployment Grants Committee have approved for grant seven schemes of work submitted by Walsall Town Council, estimated to cost about £48,000 and calculated to provide direct work equivalent to the employment of 110 men for a year.
§ In addition, one scheme has been refused by the Committee and two schemes estimated to cost £3,600 and calculated to provide direct employment for 10 men for a year are under consideration.
§ The Committee are also in communication with the Council in regard to a scheme under contemplation estimated to cost £15,500.
§ The Ministry of Transport have received from the Walsall Town Council a programme of 28 road and bridge schemes proposed to be carried out during the next five years. The total estimated cost of these schemes is £82,558. Approval in principle for grants from the Road Fund has been intimated to the Council in the case of six of these schemes, the total estimated cost of which is £38,480. Grants have been made to two of the remaining schemes, the estimated cost of which is £463. It is estimated that these 2715 eight schemes will provide direct work equivalent to the employment of 80 men for a year.