§ Mr. BOOTHasked the Prime Minister whether a State Insurance Bill will be introduced before the Budget; and whether the Bill is now completely prepared?
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSalso asked the Prime Minister if, without giving any pledge as to dates, he can say whether the Bill for insurance against unemployment will be introduced before the Bill for insurance against sickness, accident, and infirmity?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe proposals of the Government in regard to these matters are still under consideration. They will not be introduced before, but I hope very soon after, Easter.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think I had better not say anything about that.
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman state the date the Budget will be introduced, and, if not, will he state the date when the announcement will be made?
The PRIME MINISTERSI do not think that arises out of the questions. If the hon. Member will put it down I will answer it.
§ Mr. BOOTHasked the Attorney-General if, in his description of the State insurance scheme as of a compulsory character, he meant to include both the unemployment and invalidity insurance schemes?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Rufus Isaacs)I do not know to what description my hon. Friend refers. I have given none.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs the Attorney-General aware that he described the scheme not as a State insurance scheme, but as a compulsory insurance scheme?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSWhen?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSI never gave any description. I merely referred to a deputation at which the sickness and invalidity scheme had been discussed.