§ Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the 3195W disparity between the extent of unemployment and the measures at present proposed for its relief, he will consider whether further measures might be taken whereby employers generally would be offered inducements to expend capital on work they otherwise would not undertake, thus reducing not only the local and national expense due to unemployment, but also its deteriorating effect upon the unemployed?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI do not think anything in the nature of a general subsidy of private enterprise would help in the long run towards the solving the unemployment problem. But I would call attention to the assistance proposed by the Trade Facilities Bill now before Parliament to schemes which will provide increased employment in this country.
Captain BENNasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the delay which is taking place in the completion of contracts in the shipyards and to the unemployment caused thereby; and whether there is any provision in the Government unemployment schemes for expediting this work, and so finding employment for many men who are at present in receipt of unemployment benefit?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe delay in the completion of contracts is one aspect of the general depression in trade, which can only be cured by a revival of industry. But I would point out that the further provision proposed in the Trade Facilities Bill now before Parliament will enable assistance to be given in proper cases, where the completion of contracts is at present delayed owing to lack of capital.