§ MR. CLYNES (Manchester, N. E.)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received resolutions passed by distress committees and local government councils, in addition to the opinions expressed by the Association of Municipal Corporations, urging the necessity for further legislation with financial provisions for dealing with unemployment; whether he has observed that, following the growth of unemployment as attested by official figures, public disturbances and demonstrations of distressed workers are increasing in various centres; and whether, therefore, he can suggest to the Poor Law Commission the necessity of reporting at once anything they may have to recommend on the subject of providing work, with a view to this House taking immediate steps to meet the urgent demand for employment.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I have received resolutions of the kind referred to in the Question, and I am aware that some demonstrations have taken place. I will bring the suggestion of my hon. friend under the notice of the Royal Commission, but I am afraid that it will not be practicable for them to report in time for legislation during the present Session.