§ Mr. O. LEWISasked the Minister of Labour the latest available figures of unemployment for the borough of Colchester; what percentage these represent of registered workers; and if these figures and this percentage show a decline or otherwise on the corresponding period of last year?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe total register on lath October, 1930, was 1,178, or 9.9 per cent. of the insured population, as compared with 795 and 6.7 per cent. on 14th October, 1929. Further details are contained in the following table:
new civic buildings; and whether she can state the principles which have actuated the change of policy hitherto adopted in matters of this nature by the Unemployment Grants Committee?
§ Miss BONDFIELDWhile the terms of grant have been materially improved during the past six months, the only class of work hitherto excluded for which grants can now be made are certain 1065W types of administrative buildings for local authorities. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the special conditions for grants for this type of work. Sixteen schemes have been approved for grant at an estimated total cost of £1,400,000. As regards the last part of the question, all schemes are examined on their merits and the committee have considered, with my approval and that of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that expenditure on certain types of administrative buildings satisfies the test of economic development laid down in ale Act.