asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that unemployment still continues on a large scale, his Department is in possession of sufficient funds to promote whatever relief works may be necessary; and, if not, whether the Government proposes to ask the House for further allocations for this purpose in anticipation of the need which it is now clear roust exist for some time?

The funds set aside for providing Government assistance towards relief works are not administered by my Department. The question whether Parliament should be asked to place further sums at the disposal of the grant-making Departments is under consideration by the Government.

Is it not a fact that the Ministry of Labour is responsible for 150,000 men on out-relief works?

No, that is not the fact. The Departments concerned are the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Health. There is no direct responsibility on my Department for the administration of these funds, though naturally we are very closely concerned.