HC Deb 02 June 1927 vol 207 cc537-8
34. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to state whether he intends to introduce legislation this Session based upon the Report of the Blanesburgh Unemployment Insurance Committee?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the importance and urgency of this matter, can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to when he is likely to be able to make a statement upon it?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

As soon as I am in a position either to make a statement or to say definitely when I shall be able to make a statement, I shall be very glad to inform the hon. Member and shall look forward afterwards to the unqualified support of hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite if we are able to bring in a Bill.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time the whole of unemployment insurance is in a very chaotic state, that all persons interested are looking forward to a new Bill containing further proposals; and, in view of the urgency of the matter, will he rot consider making an early statement?

Sit. A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will make a statement as soon as I can as to the future but that fact does not indicate chaos at the moment.

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

We really cannot have a discussion on the matter.