§ 12. Mr. THOMAS COOKasked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the fact that unemployed agricultural labourers are a burden on the ratepayers of rural areas, he will consider, pending their return to industry, taking steps to make their future maintenance a charge upon the nation?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI presume that my hon. Friend has in mind the inclusion of agricultural workers in the National Unemployment Insurance Scheme. As to this, I can only refer him to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Devizes on 19th November, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ 116. Mr. T. COOKasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that many unemployed men in rural areas are placed on relief work of e non-productive character; and whether he will consider employing them on schemes of land drainage and improvement of rivers, to assist the industry of agriculture?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)I am aware of the difficulty of providing suitable work for men in receipt of relief. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the Norfolk County Council are in communication with the Minister 483 of Health on the question of employing such men on land drainage works, and that the matter is under consideration. I may add that land drainage schemes are not undertaken by my Department but by drainage authorities and county councils.