§ 67. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Minister of Health whether the standing joint committee of industrial women's organisations and other bodies have recently requested the Government to give further relief to the necessitous areas; and what action he has taken in the matter?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe committee referred to has made representations to me on the need for taking steps to mitigate distress in the depressed areas during this winter. Apart from other measures, such as the acceleration of public works which are being assisted by the Government, I have addressed a circular to guardians drawing their special attention to the importance of securing that relief shall be adequate in amount and carefully adapted to the needs of each case. I shall be glad to send the right hon. Gentleman a copy.
§ Sir K. WOODWas not the right hon. Gentleman requested to give some special grant to these necessitous areas, inasmuch as he had himself so long advocated these grants; and what reply did he give?
§ Mr. THORNEMay I ask my right hon. Friend if he knows what the right hon. Gentleman opposite did when he was in office?
§ Sir K. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to my question: What special assistance is he going to give 1178 to necessitous areas; he is simply relying on the extra assistance that has been given by the Local Government Act?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am sorry that the right hon. Gentleman should be so disturbed about the ill-effects of the legislation which he helped to pass.