§ Miss RATHBONEasked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that an application by the University of Liverpool to the Unemployment Grants Committee for assistance in carrying out a scheme for the reconstruction of certain university properties, and thereby giving employment to a considerable number of unemployed local workers, has been refused on the ground that the university, being neither a local authority nor a statutory public utility society, is ineligible for such assistance; and whether he will take such steps as may be required, if necessary by obtaining statutory powers, to enable universities to receive assistance from the Unemployment Grants Committee for schemes conforming to the regulations for such grants?
Mr. THOMASIn answer to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject on 4th March. As regards the last part, if Universities cannot establish their eligibility for grants under the Act, I am not prepared to amend the Act specially to include them.