§ 9. Mr. D. L. DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour how much money has actually been disbursed to date by the Commissioners of special areas in England, South Wales and Monmouthshire, and Scotland, respectively; what proportion of these amounts has been expended in the form of salaries to officials appointed by the Commissioners or by the Government; and whether he can indicate the nature of the undertakings for which grants have actually been made?
§ Mr. E. BROWNAs the reply is somewhat long I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. If the hon. Member desires further information perhaps he will communicate with me.
§ Following is the reply:
§ Up to 30th November, 1935, the payments made by the Commissioner for the Special Areas (England and Wales) amounted to about £296,000, of which approximately £18,000 represents salaries of officials. As the hon. Member will appreciate, the commitments entered into by the Commissioner and now amounting for England and Wales to about £2,800,000, cannot result in payments from the Exchequer until expenditure is actually incurred. I could not, 1079 within the limits of an answer to a question, give full details of the nature of the grants made. Generally speaking, they fall under three heads:
- (1) To local authorities and other bodies towards the cost of public works, including sewerage, hospitals and other health services, site clearance, quay and harbour facilities.
- (2) To local authorities and the Land Settlement Association for the development of smallholdings, group holdings and allotments.
- (3) To the National Council of Social Service and similar bodies for the development of social services.
§ As regards Scotland, perhaps the hon. Member will address a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.