§ 59. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to introduce a Bill during this Session extending the National Unemployment Insurance Acts?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir R. Horne)I have been asked to reply to this question. Plans for an extended scheme of compulsory unemployment insurance on a contributory basis have been under active consideration in the Ministry of Labour during the summer. I had hoped to be in a position to introduce a Bill for the purpose early in the present Session, but I regret that it is not possible to do so.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNEHave any of the representatives of the trade union organisations been consulted in the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNENo; none of the unions have been consulted in this matter up till now. The matter was referred to the Provisional Committee of the National 269 Industrial Conference, but they did not see any ground upon which to arrive at a considered conclusion upon the subject; and there the matter remains.
Mr. J. JONESIs not this as important as the Aliens Bill? Have not private Members of the House been called into consultation with the Government on that?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am afraid that is a question I cannot answer.
§ Sir F. BANBURYWill the right hon. Gentleman, if lie intends to extend the unemployment dole after next month, give the House of Commons the opportunity of considering it?
§ Sir R. HORNEThat question was asked me a few days ago, and I said, before any extension of the unemployment donation took place, the House would undoubtedly be consulted.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNEIn view of the fact that this measure will affect about 6,000,000 organised workers in all parts of the country, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of consulting the representatives of the various organisations about the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am quite well aware of the large number of people involved in the Bill.