asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state how many men it is proposed to employ in the reclamation of a portion of the Wash; and how many of these will be drawn from the ranks of the unemployed?

It is anticipated that not less than 200 men will be required. They will be entirely drawn from the ranks of the unemployed with the exception of certain skilled men.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the unemployed he anticipates being able to use on this work?

This work will be completed in the course of two years. Until it is further advanced it is impossible to say how many will be employed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit that the unemployed proposals of the Government are a wash-out?

When will these men begin work?

The surveyors are proceeding as quickly as possible, and are not waiting until the autumn to begin.

Will it be months, weeks or years?

Sir F. HALL:

Is this one of the many important schemes which the Government are contemplating?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the estimated expenditure upon this scheme?

About £32,000.

Is this to be the main plank of the Government's platform in the forthcoming Election?

What will be the rates of pay for these men? Will they be the agricultural rates of the locality, or what?

It is not yet decided