32. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour if, before presenting his proposed Unemployment Act Amendment Bill, he will follow the example of the Minister of Health with regard to the Government's Rating and Valuation Bill, and consult the local committees and authorities concerned, so as to secure the benefit of their knowledge and experience when drafting his proposals?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI do not think the two Measures are comparable. In any event, for reasons of which the hon. Member is no doubt fully aware, it is important that the Unemployment Insurance Bill should be passed before next October. I am afraid this would become impossible if I followed the course he suggests.
Mr. THOMSONMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has ascertained, or will ascertain, from local authorities what will be the effect of leaving the present Act unamended?
§ Mr. J. JONESBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies, has he taken into consideration the fact that, owing to the new Rating and Valuation Bill, in certain parts of the country they are going to be considerably handicapped by the increase of local rates? In our own district at least sixpence in the £ will have to be found as a result.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have always got the question of local rates also in my mind, and I am in constant touch with the Minister of Health in that connection.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has already announced that, even should he get his new Unemployment Bill, he is not going to change his present policy?