HC Deb 25 August 1914 vol 66 cc17-8
Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the case of trade unions and other registered societies that may be approved by the Treasury, which pay unemployed or provident benefit to members, and whose funds under normal circumstances, including bad years as well as good years, are adequate for such payment, whether he will consider a Grant from public money to such funds to meet the extra or abnormal drain caused by the war emergency?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I would remind the hon. Member that under Part II. of the National Insurance Act the State in many trades already contribute towards the cost of unemployment benefit. The whole position as regards unemployment arising out of the war is, however, under close observation, and, if necessary, the present methods of dealing with unemployment will be extended.