66. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement recently submitted to the Cabinet Committee on unemployment on behalf of necessitous local authorities; and can he state what steps the Government are prepared to take to deal with the pressing financial needs of these industrial areas where unemployment continues abnormal?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe statement referred to is being considered by the Cabinet Committee, and I am not yet in a position to announce the Government's decision in regard to it.
Mr. THOMSONIf legislation is found necessary, will it be retrospective, so that the local authorities may have the benefit of it?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI cannot make any statement, because I do not know what the decision may be. It is a very natural course to take in certain circumstances if it be found necessary that the legislation should act retrospectively,