HC Deb 04 December 1930 vol 245 c2361
29. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the destitution to which many families have been brought by prolonged unemployment, she will obtain powers to provide for the allowances to the unemployed and their dependants being doubled for Christmas week?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am afraid this is not practicable.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

What does the Minister mean by saying that the proposal in the question is not practicable? Is it not practicable for us to be more generous at that season of the year than at any other time?

Miss BONDFIELD

May I point out to the hon. Member that the suggestion is, legislatively, not practicable.

Mr. KEDWARD

Is the right hon. Lady aware that it is done by many boards of guardians?

Mr. McGOVERN

Is it not more important to feed the bodies of the unemployed than to feed the minds of the middle-class with opera?