§ 45. Major OWENasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the resuscitation of the Unemployment Grants Committee, with powers to make grants towards public works in depressed areas which are not scheduled under the Special Areas?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)No, Sir. The Government deliberately discontinued the policy of unemployment relief works, which had been proved by experience to be extravagant and ineffective, and they have no intention of returning to it.
§ Major OWENHas the right hon. Gentleman any plans in his mind for dealing with those distressed areas which do not come within the scope of Special Areas, and where in many districts for long periods the percentage of unemployment is even greater than in the Special Areas?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Special Areas Commissioner has power to make grants for such purposes as the hon. and gallant Member has in mind. The hon. and gallant Member asked me a question of policy—whether the Government would resuscitate the Unemployment Grants Committee, and the answer must be, no.