§ 1. Mr. RUTHERFORD CHALMERSasked the Minister of Labour what was the average cost to the State per man per annum of providing relief works during the years 1929, 1930, and 1931?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)It is generally estimated that the average cost of putting a man to work on relief works for a year is approximately £500; or, if indirect employment is taken into account, approximately £250. The cost to the Exchequer depends, of course, upon the amount of the contribution which the Exchequer makes towards the expenditure on any particular scheme.
§ Mr. CHALMERSIn view of the very high figure, may we take it that it is the settled policy of the Government not to indulge in such relief works?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI do not think that I can usefully add anything to what was said in the Debate last Friday.