§ 52. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health whether he has received a memorandum from the Birmingham Poor Law Union protesting against the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Bill; how many similar protests he has received from other Poor Law unions; and ii he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has received the memorandum referred to from the Birmingham Union. No similar memorandum has been received from other Poor Law unions. As regards the last part of the question, the memorandum relates to the proposals of the Unemployment Insurance Bill which is now being considered in Committee, when all relevant points will no doubt be fully debated.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not a fact that other boards of guardians have passed similar resolutions protesting against the insertion of certain provisions in the Unemployment Insurance Bill?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe only memorandum we have received is a memorandum from Birmingham. I am not aware of any others.
§ Mr. WILFRID PALINGIs it not a fact that dozens of local authorities have passed resolutions protesting against the possible effects of the Bill?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs I have said, I am not in a position either to confirm or to deny the statement, as this is the only one we have received.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs it not a fact that Poor Law authorities and boards of guardians are sick and tired of protesting to the present Government as it is of no use?
§ Mr. THORNEHow is it that the answer has been given by the Ministry of Labour when the question was put to the Ministry of Health, who have all the information that can be given to the House?