§ 3. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Labour if the Government are now in a position to offer terms to the Association of Midland Local Authorities which will enable them to carry through their plans for levelling pit mounds and thus provide immediate work for a considerable number of the unemployed for a number of years?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe new conditions and terms of grant have been communicated to all local authorities, including those who constitute the Association referred to. I hope that these terms will enable the authorities concerned to carry out some, if not all, of their proposals.
§ Mr. MANDERIs the right hon. Lady aware that all that these local authorities are asking is to be allowed to raise their share of the finance by a short-term loan, for they cannot possibly put it on the rates?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThat is another point.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARDIs there any merit in levelling these pit mounds other than to provide work?
§ Miss BONDFIELDYes, the work gives valuable sites for housing.