§ Mr. BRACKENasked the Lord Privy Seal for what actual number of men and for what period it is estimated that the sum of £42,000,000 already arranged to provide 1,400,000 man months of work will find employment?
Mr. THOMASIt is not possible to forecast the numbers of men who will be employed at any particular date. The schemes commence on varying dates, their duration varies from two or three months to several years, and the number of men employed on each scheme will vary from time to time. In these circumstances the only estimate that can be given is one of the total volume of employment resulting, based on the proportion of the estimated cost which represents labour costs.