§ 3. Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that large numbers of men have been provided with work for a few days only at Government factories, Bridgend; that, in order to fake up this work, the men have had to incur certain expenditure for boots, clothing, etc.; and will he consult with the Unemployment Assistance Board with a view to considering these cases and reimbursing the amount so expended?
§ Mr. E. BrownI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. E. J. Williams) by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works on 9th February. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I am informed that the contractor has an arrangement whereby the men are provided with gum-boots on the understanding that they will be returned when finished with. I am not clear in what circumstances the hon. Member suggests that the Board could reimbuse the men for the cost of boots or clothing which they have themselves bought, but if he cares to send me details I will have the matter looked into.