§ 13. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour if he has yet come to any decision regarding the continuation or otherwise of what is known as the transition clauses of the Unemployment Act of 1927; if so, can he state the nature of his decision; and, if not, when he will be in a position to come to a decision?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo change can be made in this matter without 158 legislation, and I am not at present in a position to say whether legislation will be proposed.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the Minister answer the last part of the Question? When will he be in a position to make a statement regarding the position, in view of the great anxiety which is felt in many quarters about this matter?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI cannot say at the moment when I shall be able to do so, but it will be in ample time for hon. Members to debate the matter, or to raise it, if they wish.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the Minister aware that many local authorities are very anxious about this matter; and is it not possibly one of the factors which they will have to take into account in connection with the de-rating proposals?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, I am not aware of that fact.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter is one of tremendous urgency to local authorities and great numbers of comparatively poor people; and will he take steps, as early as possible, to relieve anxiety which exists about it?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have already said that, while I was not able beforehand to give adequate information about the matter, I believed the anxiety was grossly exaggerated. I hope hon. Members opposite will do their best to allay anxiety—as they have no doubt done up to the present.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWith your past record!