§ 24. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Minister of Labour if she proposes to make any modifications in the conditions of genuinely seeking work by applicants for unemployment benefit; and, if so, what are they?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)The Morris Committee have made recommendations on this point, which I am considering. I propose to include a provision on the point in the Unemployment Insurance Bill which will shortly be presented to the House.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCan the right hon. Lady state whether she is going to adopt in that Bill the majority Report or the minority Report of the Morris Committee?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe hon. Member must await the introduction of the Bill.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the right hon. Lady state when she is likely to make a statement on this very urgent and important matter?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe introduction of the Bill will be at the earliest possible date.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the urgent importance of this matter, will not the right hon. Lady state when that date is likely to be?
§ Miss BONDFIELDNo; it is a matter for Cabinet decision.
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLWill it be before the Christmas Recess?
§ Miss BONDFIELDEmphatically yes.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the Bill include, in addition to what is contained in the Report of the Morris Committee, any alteration in the scales of benefit to the unemployed?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI must ask the hon. Member to accept the reply which I have already given, and to await the introduction of the Bill.