HC Deb 27 July 1931 vol 255 cc1935-6
40. Mr. SHAKESPEARE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will submit the scheme for the Ouse drainage, approved by the catchment board before Whitsun, to the Unemployment Grants Committee, in view of the large measure of employment involved in the scheme?

Dr. ADDISON

Grants in aid of schemes submitted by catchment boards fall to be made by the Ministry under Section 55 of the Land Drainage Act, 1930. The Ouse Catchment Board have applied for assistance in respect of the scheme to which the hon. Member refers, and the application is now being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Treasury.

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to get a decision taken early, so that the scheme, which is now approved by every authority, can be started by the autumn and thousands of jobs found for the men during the winter months? Will the right hon. Gentleman try to expedite the matter?

Dr. ADDISON

I shall do my best. The scheme now prepared is entirely due to our anticipating the requirements of the area.