§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture if the Government have considered the possibility of setting aside a sum of money for the provision of allotments for unemployed workers in the more depressed areas; and whether his advisers have worked out any such scheme showing what amount might be saved thereby in respect of unemployment pay?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo funds are at the disposal of the Ministry for this purpose, but grants for the past season were approved by the Central Committee of the Lord Mayor's Fund for assistance in the cultivation of allotments by unemployed miners, and I understand that the assistance is to be continued for the coming season. As regards the latter part of the question, I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that the preparation of any such estimate is impracticable at the present stage. A2114W saving to the Unemployment Fund could only result from the men ceasing to be entitled to benefit and a decision on that question could only be decided by the statutory authorities.