§ MR. SUMMERBELL (Sunderland)To ask the President of the Local Government Board, if his attention has been called to the fact that owing to the name Distress Committee a large number of unemployed men refuse to register themselves in any towns where such committees exist; that on account of this a full return of the unemployed is not secured; and, if so, whether it is his intention to take any action with a view to a change of name, as also the granting of more extensive powers to such local committees to provide work for the unemployed.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I am aware that in some instances the name "Distress Committee" has been objected to, but it is that given to these committees by the Unemployed Workmen Act, under which they are appointed. An amendment of the Act would be necessary for altering the name of these bodies and also for granting them more extensive powers. I do not propose to
† See Col 122.314 introduce legislation for this purpose at the present time.