§ Mr. THURTLEasked the Minister of Labour if he has under consideration any schemes for providing work for the large number of middle-aged and elderly men 2261W who are being refused unemployment benefit on the ground that they have no reasonable prospect of obtaining employment in an insurable trade?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIt is not part of the functions of the Ministry to provide relief work, but as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, Government grants are made to local authorities providing such works. If local authorities have any schemes of work which will provide employment for the men in question, I feel sure that the grant-making Departments will sympathetically consider application for State assistance.