§ 1. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Labour the number of local authorities which have prepared and presented schemes, for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, for the approval of the Unemployment Grants Committee; the number of these schemes that have been approved; the number of authorities which have made preliminary inquiry regarding schemes they have under consideration; and has she any statistics that will show the number of men who have been provided with work under these schemes and the number of men transferred from distressed areas?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)Since the 1st June, 1929, 934 local authorities have submitted formal applications to the Unemployment Grants Committee for grant from Exchequer Funds in aid of 2,933 schemes of work to relieve unemployment. Of the schemes so submitted 1,947 have been approved for grant. Statistics are not available with regard to preliminary inquiries. On 30th May, 1930, the total number of men employed directly on the schemes approved was 34,983 including 4,613 men from depressed areas.
§ Mr. DAYCan my right hon. Friend say whether every assistance is given to the transference schemes by the local authorities?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThere is a difference of opinion.