HC Deb 28 December 1919 vol 123 cc1252-3
46. Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked 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 LAW

In 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 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.

Sir F. HALL

Will that cover the points in the first part of the question?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If my hon. Friend will look at the Bill he will see exactly what is being proposed.

Mr. W. THORNE

Has 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 LAW

I 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. HALL

Will 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 LAW

My hon. Friend will himself have the opportunity of taking steps when the Bill comes before the House.

Sir J. D. REES

Can the right hon. Gen- tleman give a rough estimate of the cost?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It has been made, but I should not like, without notice, to give figures.