County Councils Association's Proposals.

Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons am ar 15 Mehefin 1933.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir William Jenkins Sir William Jenkins , Castell-nedd

32.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the representations made to him on behalf of 50 county councils asking him to proceed with schemes to provide work at wages for the unemployed, particularly able-bodied men who were in receipt of public assistance, what steps he has taken to ascertain from local authorities their requirements in housing, small holdings, water supplies, road improvements, reconstruction of bridges, land reclamation, land colonisation, and school buildings; and whether he will consider making a grant for every person for whom work is provided by local authorities?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare , Norwich

As I said in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) on Tuesday, the Government were not able to accept the proposal put forward by the Association for subsidising relief work by payments from the National Exchequer in respect of the employment of persons who would otherwise receive transitional payments or public assistance. My department is in continuous communication with local authorities about their requirements in relation to housing and water supplies, and loans for other purposes.

Photo of Mr Harold Macmillan Mr Harold Macmillan , Stockton-on-Tees

Is the hon. Member satisfied with the present rate of capital expenditure on loan account on subjects such as are mentioned in this question, and will the Department take steps to press upon local authorities the advantage of the present low money rates for developments of this kind?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare , Norwich

I think opportunity is always taken by local authorities to put forward sound revenue-producing schemes.

Photo of Mr Arthur Samuel Mr Arthur Samuel , Farnham

Is my hon. Friend aware that the first persons to be consulted are the local ratepayers?