§ 49. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of men on assisted allotments on the 30th April last and the number now; and the amount of money expended in this direction up to the same date and the amount expended since?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWhen all the accounts are closed, the total expenditure in connection with the scheme operated for the 1931 cropping season by the Central Allotments Committee will amount to about £43,000 gross and £26,000 net, that is, after deducting the payments made by the allotment holders towards the cost of the seeds, fertilisers, and implements supplied. Approximately 64,000 persons were assisted under the scheme, but it is not known how many of these were provided last season with allotments for the first time, neither are any statistics available applicable to particular dates. As I have already announced, no State funds will be available for an assisted scheme next season, but I am glad to say that, as a result of a public appeal for funds, there is every probability of assistance being forthcoming from private sources.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSSeeing that these unemployed persons produced approximately £500,000 worth of vegetables, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it unwise economy not to assist them during the coming season?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir; I think the evidence is all the other way.
§ Major COLFOXIs the House to understand that these facts do refer to the state of affairs existing on the 30th April?