§ 16. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Labour what are the intentions of the Government as to continuing the Unemployment Grants Committee after 31st December, 1931; will they be prepared to consider schemes of work to relieve unemployment in local areas after that date; and what will be the percentage grant made to local authorities who put forward schemes to provide work for the unemployed?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe Unemployment Grants Committee are at present confining themselves to schemes of work for the winter of 1931–1932, which, in order to obtain a grant, must be actively commenced by 31st December, or by 31st January in certain special cases which were submitted to the committee not later than 30th June. The schemes approved, or to be approved, will provide a very substantial amount of work throughout the winter and for a considerable period afterwards, and I do not propose at present to ask the committee to invite further applications.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local authorities have spent a good deal of the ratepayers' money in preparing these schemes, while to-day the Unemployment Grants Committee have practically ceased to exist, or are not approving schemes at this moment; and will he kindly answer my question as to what the Unemployment Grants Committee intend to do in 1932?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is obviously premature. I cannot say yet what will be the situation next winter, and at the moment I am not prepared to say what will be done until we know the facts.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman has already received an answer.