§ 40. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Labour the total number of persons employed directly on schemes initiated by the present Government at the last convenient date, the amount sanctioned towards the cost of those schemes, and the estimated amount actually expended?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)At 29th May the number of persons employed directly or indirectly on state-aided schemes was estimated to be about 245,000, of whom some 109,000 were returned as directly employed on the site of schemes of a total estimated value of £105,000,000 approved since the 1st June, 1929. These figures are exclusive of state-aided housing schemes, and such works as are included in the ordinary programme of the Post Office, the Central Electricity Board and the Forestry Commission. As regards the amount expended, I would refer to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member on 16th March last.
§ Sir K. WOODIs the hon. Gentleman able to state, in regard to the 109,000 people directly employed, how many are on road work: or does he require notice?
§ Mr. LAWSONI am afraid I could not answer off-hand.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSIf I put down a question, will the hon. Gentleman be able to tell me how many cotton operatives are included?