§ 61. Sir A. POWNALLasked the Minister of Labour if her attention has been called to the fact that the Unemployment Insurance Fund will, if the unemployment figure remains as at present, exhaust its borrowing powers in October; and what steps she intends to take?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)The hon. Member may rest assured that this matter will be carefully watched, and if any action is found to be necessary the House will be informed in good time.
§ Sir A. POWNALLWill the Minister see that sufficient Parliamentary time is made available before the Summer Recess in order that legislation may be passed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSurely the Minister of Labour and the Chancellor of the Exchequer are following the financial consequences of the great increase of unemployment upon the borrowing limitations of the Fund; and surely the Minister of Labour can give us information now as to the actual state of the Fund?
§ Mr. J. WILSONSpeech, speech!
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member casts reflection on the Chair by that interruption.
§ Mr. WILSONThat was not my intention at all, and, if my interruption was taken in that way, I at once withdraw it, but I noticed that the right hon. Gentleman was not asking a question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is his way of asking a question.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMay I have an answer to the question?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe right hon. Gentleman must be aware that it was only a day or two ago that I gave the figures. We are watching the matter very closely.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf a question is put down for next week—
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf a question is put down at the first Parliamentary opportunity will the Minister of Labour be able to give us a statement on the actuarial position of the Fund?
§ Miss BONDFIELDindicated assent.