HC Deb 30 March 1914 vol 60 cc819-20
53. Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to give any account of steps which have been taken, in accordance with representations by a deputation of Members of Parliament, to arrange the times when Government contracts are given out, with a view to minimise the fluctuations of unemployment, or if a statement on the subject will be made by the Minister who replies on the Debate on the Motion of the Member for West Leeds on Tuesday?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir. Certain Departments were in the first instance consulted on the subject, and, as the result of the replies received, a Committee is being appointed to consider whether any, and, if so, what steps might be taken with a view to regularising the total demand for labour from time to time by the adjustment of the distribution of public contracts.