§ 63. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Minister of Agriculture if it is now his intention to withdraw the restrictions under which local authorities cannot avail themselves of Sections 14 and 16 of the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Act, 1931, authorising him to defray losses incurred thereunder by local authorities in providing allotment gardens for unemployed persons and in making grants for assisting in the provision of seeds, fertilisers, and equipment for unemployed persons?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)The Government decided on grounds of economy that no funds could be provided for the purpose of operating the Sections referred to, and I fear that that decision must still be maintained. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that a grant is being made from the Development Fund to the Society of Friends to supplement funds obtained by that society for the purpose of aiding the supply of seeds, fertilisers and implements to unemployed and partly employed persons cultivating allotments.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSSeeing that we now have approximately 350,000 more persons unemployed than 18 months ago, cannot the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this question?