andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the growing unemployment and the failure of private capital investment to meet this country's needs, the Government will consider devising and implementing without delay a multi-million pounds capital investment programme to create and stimulate employment through (a) the building of primary and secondary schools, (b) the construction of arterial and other roads, (c) harbour development, and (d) increased forestry development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Capital Investment Programme.
17.
The recent increase in the number of unemployed persons has been caused mainly by the very bad weather we have had and an early reduction in the number of unemployed can be expected.
In the current financial year a total sum of approximately £13 million is being provided by the Exchequer for expenditure on (a) the building of primary schools, (b) road works, (c) harbour development, and (d) forestry development. While I cannot anticipate my budgetary statement, I hope that it will be possible to provide at least as much for the same purposes in 1963-64.
Surely that is too glib an explanation? We had a hard winter last year and does the Minister not agree that the eight per cent. increase this year is much higher than it was last year and that it is of greater significance, taking the period of the year into consideration, as well as the decline in industry and all the other factors of which the Minister is only too well aware?
In a few weeks, when the weather has improved, either the Deputy or I will apologise.