63. Captain O'GRADYasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Hunslet Union Guardians, Leeds, are strongly opposed to the action of the Government in partially transferring the responsibility for unemployment relief to local government bodies on the grounds that it is impossible to effect any additional economy for the purpose of providing revenue for such relief, and that the result of the action of the Government will entail a further burden upon the already impoverished ratepayers; and, having regard to that fact, will the State take over such responsibility from local authorities, providing that part of the revenue required by further reduction in non-urgent departmental expenditure?
Major BARNSTONMy right hon. Friend has received a copy of the resolution passed by the Hunslet Guardians. He is not at present in a position to make any statement as to the latter part of the question.