HC Deb 31 March 1908 vol 187 cc318-9
MR. CLYNES

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board/whether he has considered the opinion in the Report of the Association of Municipal Corporations that, during the continuance of the present Unemployed Act, Exchequer grants should be made to distress committees for the payment of wages to those employed under the Act on works of public utility; whether he was asked to receive a deputation to hear the views of the association, and whether he can now make any statement on his promise to bring under the notice of the Poor Law Commission the suggestion to report at once their recommendations respecting unemployment, with a view to immediate action being taken by the House to meet the demand for work.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. JOHN BURNS,) Battersea

As regards the first two points in the Question the reply is in the affirmative. I have communicated to the Royal Commission the suggestion referred to in the last part of it, but I am not able to make any statement as to the course proposed to be taken by them with regard to it.

MR. CLYNES

Did the right hon. Gentleman decline to receive a deputation from the Association of Municipal Corporations?

MR. JOHN BURNS

Yes, I declined to receive that particular deputation, because I had received a number of deputations upon points which they were anxious to discuss.

MR. CLYNES

Has the right hon. Gentleman formed any conclusions on the opinions expressed in the report of the Association?

MR. JOHN BURNS

Several.

MR. CLYNES

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to announce them?

MR. JOHN BURNS

At this moment, no, sir.