§ Mr. ROBERT HUDSON (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have yet come 566 to any decision with regard to the extension of the period during which the present relaxation of the contributory conditions for unemployment benefit will operate?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDWhen the Unemployment Insurance Bill was under discussion in 1927 I pointed out that if the expectations then current as to the improvement in employment in the depressed areas were not realised by 1929, when the 30 contributions qualification would be due to come into force, it would be possible to deal with whatever situation might then be found to exist. I have had the position carefully under review in recent weeks, and although there has been considerable improvement in these areas—an improvement which I have every hope will continue—the change has come too late to affect materially the circumstances of a number of claimants to benefit. It has therefore been decided to introduce a Bill immediately to extend the transitional period for another year.
§ Mr. HUDSONMay I express, first of all, my thanks to the right hon. Gentleman, and also ask him when the Bill is going to be introduced?
§ Mr. T. SHAWCan the right hon. Gentleman give to the House some information as to the numbers?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI shall be glad to do so as soon as possible, and, if the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question with regard to the numbers, I will see that an answer is given to him containing the necessary information. If he will communicate with me, I will gladly get the question put down in such a way as to enable me to give the information to the House. As regards the date of the introduction of the Bill, I cannot inform my hon. Friend at the moment. It will doubtless be a question for consideration. It will be before Easter.