§ Mr. CLOUGHasked the Minister of Labour if he can now make any detailed statement as to the intentions of the Government with regard to the out-of-work donation to the ex-Service men after 31st July; how many will be receiving it at this date and what is the cost; and whether some steps can be taken to expedite the absorption of this vast amount of unutilised labour?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn reply to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 29th July to the hon. and gallant Member for Fylde (Colonel Ashley), of which I am sending him a copy. The answer to the second part of the question is that approximately 143,000 ex-Service men were in receipt of donation on the 31st July last, on which date the weekly cost amounted to approximately £168,000. In regard to the third part of the question, continuous endeavours are being made, and will continue to be made, by the Ministry of Labour to place ex-Service men in employment. The problem, which I recognise as of the most urgent and serious character, is constantly before us.