asked the Minister of Labour how many men are at present employed on work schemes in the county of Durham which have received financial assistance from the State; and what are the total commitments since June, 1929, giving the liability of the State and local authorities, respectively?

On the 28th August, the latest date for which information is available, 4,864 men were employed directly on the site of schemes being undertaken in the county of Durham with assistance from the various grant-making Departments. The estimated total cost of schemes submitted by local authorities in the county since 1st June, 1929, is £4,708,943. The proportion of assistance given from State funds varies with the nature of the scheme, and I am not in a position to give the amounts borne by the State and local authorities respectively.

Can the hon. Gentleman give approximate us any idea?

In this and similar questions I always feel that it is wise to give figures upon which one can stand. A mere guess may be very misleading to the hon. Member.

I do not ask for a guess. I am asking for some approximate figure.

I cannot give it.

Do the figures given apply to the whole county of Durham, including the county boroughs?

They apply to the county of Durham; that is the whole county.

Does that include the boroughs as well?

Yes, I think so.

Including the borough of Sunderland?

I think it includes the borough of Sunderland, but, if not, I will let the hon. Member know. At present I am advised that it includes the whole county.