HC Deb 31 March 1936 vol 310 c1807
21. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons that have found employment under the schemes inaugurated by Sir Arthur Rose?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The number of individuals who have actually been given employment for varying periods under the Commissioner's schemes is not available, but the hon. Member will find on page 31 of the Commissioner's report for the period 1st July, 1935–31st December, 1935, estimates of the amount of direct employment expressed in men-years for various types of schemes.

Mr. MAXTON

Cannot we get something more definite and precise on this matter instead of the rather vague estimates of the report to which the Under-Secretary has referred?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

If the hon. Member will see the report, he will appreciate the difficulty there is in estimating the number of individuals directly and indirectly employed. The number of schemes is set out, and he will get the nearest possible estimates of the number of men-years.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is it not the case that this is practically all we have got from the Commissioner in Scotland in the way of additional employment?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

No, Sir. That is not the case at all.

Mr. McGOVERN

Will the Under-Secretary not advise the Government to reconsider this matter, and instead give local authorities a sufficient amount of money to enable them to employ men on local schemes?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I am not at all satisfied that that is the proper view.