§ SIR J. CARMICHAEL (Glasgow, St. Rollox)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is prepared to take steps to enable Local Authorities in Scotland to institute Registers of the unemployed, either in connection with the offices of the Registrars of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, or otherwise?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, BridgetonSo far as Scotland is concerned, I am informed that, when necessity arises, no difficulty has been experienced by the Local Authorities in instituting Registers for the unemployed, and, as a matter of fact, they are frequently opened. From the latest information I have received from the important centres in Scotland, the Local Authorities are undoubtedly willing, and I believe are able, to look after any undue distress arising from want of employment. The precise proposal made by the hon. Member is a new proposal, and the Registrar General, whom I have consulted, sees serious difficulties and objections to it. It is a proposal which I shall further consider with my right 1020 hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board.
SIR J. CARMICIIAELMay I ask whether the Registers at present kept are paid for out of public funds?
§ SIR G. TREVELYANI know that in one case the Register is made by the Police Commissioners of a great city, and is presumably paid for out of the public funds. But in other cities the Local Authorities have disbursed private funds for the purpose.