46. Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Prime Minister if, at a conference with certain representatives of labour on 8th December, he stated that he recognised it to be the duty of the Government to find work for all or else to provide the means of subsistence, and that in conformity with this principle a comprehensive scheme of insurance against unemployment would he introduced before Christmas; if so, will he state whether this announcment of policy was accompanied by any qualification to meet cases of unemployment arising from unjustifiable acts on the part of workpeople themselves or the existence of restrictive rules of labour organisations; and will he state whether any such scheme for dealing with unemployment will be conditional upon the adoption of measures to ensure that increase of production which is so essential in all industries?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIn reply to the first part of the question, I understand that at the meeting referred to my right hon. Friend repeated, what has been often 1253 stated in this House, that the Government intended to introduce a Bill to provide a comprehensive scheme of unemployment insurance. As regards the last part of the. question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the terms of the Bill which is being introduced to-day.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf my hon. Friend will look at the Bill he will see exactly what is being proposed.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the Prime Minis- terbeen successful in obtaining a certain sum of money from the Prince of Wales' Fund to pay to those who are not entitled to receive any unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI gave all the answer that was possible to that question yesterday. Local authorities are being invited to form committees to deal with it.
Sir F. HALLWill the Government take steps in this Bill to see that the necessary increased cost of alterations and improvements proposed by the Prime Minister in his speech are provided for?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hon. Friend will himself have the opportunity of taking steps when the Bill comes before the House.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt has been made, but I should not like, without notice, to give figures.