29. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour whether the Government is going to introduce legislation to extend the periods for which benefits are payable under The Unemployment Insurance Act, 1921, in time for their new proposals to be operative by the 5th April next, when existing benefits begin to expire?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs I told my hon. and gallant Friend a week ago, the whole matter is now receiving the careful and anxious consideration of the Government.
Mr. THOMSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that within three weeks of Parliamentary time, these benefits expire and is it not possible to do something within that period?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOf course I realise that in three weeks the extension of benefit may first begin to be exhausted.