§ 28. Mr. DICKSONasked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Lanark County Council has passed a resolution expressing dissatisfaction at the delay of the Government in approving of schemes they have submitted for the relief of unemployment; when local authorities were first asked to submit schemes and plans; what was the value of such schemes submitted by the Lanark County Council by the end of December, 1929, and by the end of January, February, March, and April, 1930, respectively; and what is the total amount of the schemes that have been approved?
Mr. THOMASI presume that my hon. Friend is referring to a letter addressed by the clerk of the county council to the Unemployment Grants Committee on the lath May. This letter has been brought to my notice. I am causing inquiries to be made into the points raised in the letter and the further matters referred to by my hon. Friend, and I will communicate with him in due course.
§ Mr. DICKSONMay I take it, if there is anything in the allegation of delay, that we can have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that these schemes will be approved as speedily as possible?
Mr. THOMASUp to now I have never attempted to transfer my responsibilities. I have borne them; but I will certainly put it no higher than this, that I will make inquiries and try to remedy any defect.
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question which asks what is the value of such schemes?
Mr. THOMASHow can I answer that question when a difficulty has arisen, of which I am sure the hon. and gallant Member is not aware but which is known to the hon. Member who put the question, of a difference between two different authorities. I do not want to go into the details, because I do not want to preju- 202 dice the case, but a new situation has arisen, and I am having inquiries made.