HC Deb 27 October 1920 vol 133 cc1723-4
33. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSON

asked the Minister of Labour when the Government will be prepared to introduce legislative proposals for dealing with the causes that make for unemployment and under-employment in normal times, apart from the special emergencies of to-day?

Dr. MACNAMARA

My hon. and gallant Friend is closely familiar with the steps we have taken, and are taking, to meet the hardships of unemployment. I recognise that his question is designed to go much deeper than the provision made to meet the hardships of unemployment as and when they arise. Without attempting to pre-judge the question as to whether or not the causes of unemployment can be effectively dealt with by legislation, I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the whole question which he raises is one which is engaging the close attention of the Government.