Captain TERRELLasked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed to make use of the machinery created under the Unemployed Workmen's Act, 1905, in dealing with the large amount of unemployment now existing; whether an office and a staff are now being maintained in London for the administration of the Act; when this staff last dealt with an unemployed person; and what expenditure from the rates has since then been Incurred?
§ Major ASTORThe Central Unemployed Body for London has an office in London and a staff at present consisting of three persons; but since May, 1915, these persons have been mainly employed on other work, particularly in connection with the London Appeal Tribunal and with food production at IIollesley Bay. The net expenditure from the rates for all purposes is estimated at £12,000, including the sums paid in allowances to members of the staff on military service. It is hoped that it may not be necessary to use the machinery of the Unemployed Workmen's Act for dealing with unemployment. The problem is now primarily one for the Ministry of Labour, but the Local Government Board is encouraging local authorities to undertake as soon as possible the accumulation of public works which have been held up owing to the War.