HC Deb 30 March 1905 vol 143 cc1735-6
*MR. KEIR HARDIE

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can state approximately when the Bill dealing with the unemployed, promised, in the King's Speech, is likely to be introduced.

MR. J. H. LEWIS

At the same time, I may I ask the First Lord of the Treasury when it is proposed to introduce the Bill, promised in His Majesty's Speech, providing for the establishment of authorities to deal with the question of the unemployed.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Unless the House will consent to the introduction of the Bill dealing with the unemployed, promised in the King's Speech, under the Ten Minutes Rule, I do not think there will be time for it before Easter. It is a measure that the Government are most anxious to proceed with.

*MR. KEIR HARDIE

Cannot the same pledge be given for this Bill as for the Aliens Bill—that it shall be pressed on as rapidly as possible?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is a measure which the Government is most anxious, to proceed with.

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

Will there be a reasonable time-limit put on the everlasting anxiety of boards of guardians? The uncertainty is simply wearing people out.

MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)

Will the Bill deal with the case of Ireland's unemployed?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order!

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not know whether the Gentlemen who catechise me think the Bill ought to be introduced under the Ten Minutes Rule. That course would greatly facilitate business.

*MR. KEIR HARDIE

We shall be prepared to consider that suggestion.

MR. J. H. LEWIS

Does the Prime Minister consider the Aliens Bill to be more important than the Unemployed Bill?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member is not entitled to put a Question of that nature.