§ Captain BAGLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in reference to the Government proposal made last October to assist local authorities in the repayment of interest and sinking fund on loans for works of public utility, he can give details as to the schemes so far approved and the amount of employment directly provided by those schemes?
§ Sir A. MONDI have been asked to reply to this question. Up to 16th February, 1922, the position was as follows:—
Total number of schemes approved 1,404 Number of local authorities concerned 480 Total cost approved £15,294,702 Estimated direct employment provided in terms of men—months 597,244
§ Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the acute difficulties of the Rural District Council of Clutton in respect of unemployment following the closing of the local coal pits; whether he is aware that one out of every 14 of the population of the Union is receiving Poor Law relief in addition to those having unemployment benefit, while the rates for the present half-year are 21s. in the £; that the amount of National War Savings Certificate business in the district is insufficient to qualify for a Government loan towards the two schemes of road improvement at Paulton and Litton which have been passed by the Unemployment Grants Committee and sanctioned by the Ministry of Health; and whether, in these circumstances, a loan can be granted from the Public Works Loan Board so that doles and Poor Law relief may be turned forthwith into wages upon useful public works?
§ Sir A. MONDI am aware that unemployment is severe in this district and2134W have recently sanctioned loans for £10,930 and £325 for works of road improvement. I understand that the council are experiencing difficulty in finding the money, and I am in communication with them with a view to seeing whether it is possible to assist them.