§ Mr. LEES-JONESasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that three occupational centres for the unemployed in Manchester have been closed owing to the unpreparedness of the Unemployment Assistance Board to take them over or contribute to their support; and whether he is prepared to finance such centres to the same extent as previously done by the public assistance committee so that they may re-open immediately?
Mr. STANLEYI have seen a statement in the Press to this effect. I would point out, however, that the responsibility for the men attending the centres in question still remains with the authority owing to the postponement of the second appointed day. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already announced that local authorities are to receive grants in respect of the period of postponement to place them as nearly as can be ascertained in the financial position which they would have occupied had there been no postponement. It does not appear, therefore, that the reason for closing the centres could be that suggested by my hon. Friend.