HC Deb 20 November 1930 vol 245 c587
22. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Minister of Labour if she will, as an experiment, place such sums as would be involved, assuming the present payments of unemployment pay continue for six months, at the disposal of the local authorities in Devon and enable those authorities to execute needful work instead of, as now, making payments with no resultant work being done?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am afraid I have no power to do what is suggested.

Mr. LAMBERT

Cannot the Minister take the necessary powers? They would be very valuable.

Miss BONDFIELD

Special legislation of a very fundamental character would be required.