HC Deb 04 August 1914 vol 65 c1937

Considered in Committee.

[Mr. WHITLEY in the Chair.]

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Schedule stand part of the

Bill."

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

I want to ask a question. The Schedule contains the Unemployment Workmen's Act of 1905. We shall be soon foreseeing the need for special measures to deal with unemployment over and above this Bill, and as there is no possibility of amending this Act now, can we have an assurance from the President of the Local Government Board that the Road Boards have got work in hand and that the Development Commissioners have work in hand, in view of the probability which we fear there must be of very acute distress in the course of the winter?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

I am in communication with both those Boards, and the situation, I think, is well in hand. It certainly will be necessary this year, as in previous years, to renew the Unemployment Workmen's Act. The extent to which the powers under that Act should be exercised depends upon the amount of money available for the services of the Distress Committee. The only legislative power is that which the House is now asked to pass. Any financial business will be for future legislation. I may add I am communicating with the Distress Committee and the town councils upon the matter.

Question, "That the Schedule stand part of the Bill," put, and agreed to.

Bill reported without Amendment; read the third time, and passed.