HC Deb 28 October 1937 vol 328 cc223-5
11. Mr. Dalton

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in South-West Durham the Unemployment Assistance Board is refusing to take over responsibility for a large number of able-bodied unemployed; and whether he will state by what authority the Board seeks to justify its refusal?

Mr. E. Brown

The Unemployment Assistance Board can only deal with persons who possess the qualifications set out in Section 36 of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934, and I am not aware that the Board has declined to accept responsibility for any person who possesses those qualifications. In cases of dispute the final decision on the case rests, not with the Board's officers, but with the chairmen of the appeals tribunals established under the Act.

Mr. Dalton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the part of the country referred to in the question, there are literally thousands of able-bodied unemployed capable of and available for work; and that they are still being left to the public assistance committees and not taken over by the Board?

Mr. Brown

I am interested to understand that the hon. Gentleman desires more people to come under the Board and the House will, I am sure, note that fact. I cannot accept his statement that thousands of men are in the condition he mentions. There are other people who think that the Board took over too many who were not able-bodied.

Captain Harold Balfour

Is it not a fact that if a man is not under the Unemployment Assistance Board and is still capable of employment he can register for employment at his Exchange?

Mr. Brown

Yes, that has always been the case.

12. Mr. Dalton

asked the Minister of Labour what sum of public money has been placed at the disposal of the Southwest Durham Improvement Association, and subject to what conditions; and what improvements this association has been able to effect in South-west Durham up to the present time?

Mr. Brown

The South-West Durham Improvement Association, Limited, was registered on the 30th September, 1937.

A detailed survey of the area with a view to formulating a definite programme of site clearance is now proceeding. Several sites have already been selected for this treatment and a sum of £100,000 is being placed at the disposal of the association to enable them to make a start on this work at once. The selection of sites and the method of treatment will be left largely to the association, subject to certain general conditions which are now being discussed between the Commissioner and the association.

Mr. Dalton

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this sum is very small having regard to the existing distress and the great length of time which has elapsed since he first gave a promise to the House about this association— now nearly two years ago?

Mr. Brown

The sum, I think, will be adequate for the schemes which they have in mind at the moment.