§ 25. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether he will state the conditions under which snow clearing is operated by local authorities by what industrial award the rates of pay and hours worked are decided; and whether the Exchequer contributes to the cost of such emergency work and, if so, to what extent?
Sir H. YOUNGSnow clearing by local authorities is usually performed by the ordinary street cleansing staff with such casual labour as may be needed. I am not aware of any Industrial Award concerning the conditions of work of men so engaged. Direct grants in respect of expenditure on snow clearing on roads in London and the County Boroughs and on unclassified roads in counties were discontinued by the Local Government Act, 1929, under which block grants are now made to the authorities. Similar expenditure on classified roads in county districts in the interests of traffic is, however, eligible for direct grant from the Road Fund.