§ 78. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Minister of Labour whether she is prepared to consider the modification of the present Regulations of the Unemployment Grants Committee regarding the transfer of labour in connection with unemployment relief schemes, so as to permit of the fullest financial terms being made available to local authorities who are prepared to employ unemployed workers resident within the immediately surrounding districts, although the percentage of unemployment there may fall below 10 per cent.?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)This suggestion has been made, and will, of course, be considered, but my right hon. Friend cannot give any undertaking that it will be possible to adopt it.
§ Mr. MILLARIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling among local authorities, who want first to absorb their own unemployed on unemployment relief works before being forced to take transferred labour?
§ Mr. LAWSONI am sorry I cannot add anything to what I have said except that the hon. Member's question will receive consideration.
§ Mr. MILLSIn the Whitsuntide Recess, will the Minister of Labour bring to the notice of the Cabinet the overwhelming decision of local authorities, including that of Woolwich, to agree to transfer schemes so long as the proportion of unemployed remains as high as it is?