HC Deb 01 December 1930 vol 245 cc1785-7
49. Sir A. POWNALL

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give the terms of reference and composition of the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance?

49. Mr. ERNEST BROWN

asked the Prime Minister if he has any statement to make with reference to the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry into Unemployment Insurance; and, if so, whether he can state the terms of reference, the name of the chairman, the membership of the committee, and the date at which it is proposed it shall commence its labours?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

The terms of reference of the Commission will be: To inquire into the provisions and working of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and to make recommendations with regard to:

  1. (1) its future scope, the provisions which it should contain and the means by which it may he made solvent and self-supporting and
    2. 1786
  2. (2) the arrangements which should be made outside the scheme for the unemployed who are capable of and available for work."
The Commission will be a small body of persons selected by the Government and not nominated by particular interests and will include one member with experience of local government. Its composition is not yet quite complete, but I am able to say that His Honour Judge Holman Gregory has consented to under-take the Chairmanship. The Commission which, I hope, will begin its work almost immediately, will be asked to present interim reports as may be practicable, and, in particular, to accelerate its consideration of the question of transitional benefits.

Sir A. POWNALL

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to complete the personnel and to get the work of the commission started before the Recess?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Certainly. There are only a few of the outstanding invitations which have not yet been accepted. Anyone who has had experience in forming committees or commissions knows that it takes some time, because very often the persons who have been invited have to make arrangements before they can reply.

Sir K. WOOD

How is it proposed that Judge Holman Gregory will be able to perform his judicial duties and also the onerous duties of chairman of the commission as well?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I presume that he would not have accepted the chairmanship if he did not expect that he would be able to discharge his official duties.

Sir HERBERT SAMUEL

In regard to the last part of the terms of reference, as to arrangements to be made for the unemployed outside the scheme, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Commission will consider the provision of work, or only other methods of relief?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Certainly. It is difficult to give a verbal reply on this matter, but my answer says: Arrangements which can be made outside the scheme for unemployed who are capable and available for work. I should say that that would include such schemes as training and the provision of work.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will there be trade union representatives on the commission?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I think the hon. and gallant Member had better wait and read the reply. The persons to serve on the commission are to be elected by the Government and not nominated by particular interests.

Sir H. SAMUEL

Are we to understand that the commission will go into the broad question of national development?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Oh dear, no.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the Government will accept the recommendations of the commission when they have reported?

Mr. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not the terms of reference are so tightened up that it will be impossible for a minority report. to be presented?

Mr. SNOWDEN

There is nothing to prevent a minority report being presented.

Miss RATHBONE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there will be adequate representation of women on the commission?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I think hon. Members had better wait for the personnel of the committee to be announced.