§ Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the recommendations of the London and Manchester trade councils, and sent to him, in favour of cleansing rivers in industrial areas as a means of providing employment; and whether, in view of the benefit such a programme would give to towns like Wigan and Halifax, he will take steps to give effect to the idea?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have received a copy of the letter in question. In so far as these schemes are advocated as relief works, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that, as has been stated on more than one occasion, the Government are satisfied that the policy of providing employment by means of relief works is undesirable and ineffective for the purpose in view.