§ 61. Mr. SWANasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the period of payment of the unemployment benefit is about to expire to large numbers of workmen in the county of Durham and that many of them have been out of work for over 12 months, through no fault of their own, and have spent a life's savings; and 678 if the Government has considered a further extension of the unemployed benefit in order to save destitution?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAUnder existing arrangements, the benefit rights to persons, who satisfy the conditions laid down, do not begin to expire till 5th April. The question of making provision for the period after 5th April has been receiving our most careful consideration, and I hope to present a Bill forthwith designed to do this.
§ Mr. S. WALSHHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been directed to the statement in the public Press that the Cabinet have been considering the matter and have decided to reduce the rate of unemployment benefit, and has he any statement lo make to the House?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf the hon. Member will wait a few hours, he will see the text of the Bill.