HC Deb 18 March 1931 vol 249 cc2037-8
66. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons employed on the site of works in relation to schemes initiated by the present Government on 28th February last or the nearest convenient date and the estimated cost of putting such persons on such employment; and how the number of such persons compares with those in such employment on 30th January last?

Mr. LAWSON

The particulars available regularly of the number of men employed on State-aided schemes are derived from returns rendered to my Department in respect of schemes assisted by the Ministries of Transport, Agriculture and Health and under the Development Act. The latest figures available are those for 30th January last, when 88,000 men were returned as directly employed on the site of the works concerned, compared with 78,000 at 19th December last. I am obtaining particular of the estimated cost of the schemes in operation on 30th January.

Sir K. WOOD

When will the hon. Gentleman have the figures for 28th February?

Mr. LAWSON

I was inquiring about that this morning. With the best will in the world, I understand it will be two or three weeks.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is there not a lamentably small number of men employed?