§ 69. Mr. W. B. TAYLORasked the Minister of Labour whether unemployment grants are made available for schemes of highway development on rural highways where third-class roads are breaking through for want of material, and in order to provide work for unemployed farm workers?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)Applications in such cases would be considered on their merits, and subject to the time-limits referred to in the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour, in reply to the hon. Member for Walsall (Mr. McShane) on 25th Tune. I should point out, however, that grants are not avail- 1714 able for works which are in the nature of maintenance.
§ Mr. TAYLORIs my right hon. Friend aware that nearly 3,000 unemployed farm workers were kept out of the local rates for half of the past winter, and will he not be a little more sympathetic towards those particular schemes?
§ Mr. LAWSONThat is a matter for consideration in respect of schemes put forward by the parties concerned.