§ 49. Mr. ALBERYasked the Prime Minister if he has yet received any of the interim reports from the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance mentioned in the King's Speech?
§ 45. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Prime Minister when the first interim report of the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance is expected to be presented?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)The Royal Commission have been asked to furnish an interim report 1429 on the subject of transitional benefit at an early date, but I cannot say when it will be received.
§ Mr. ALBERYIn view of the very serious financial evidence given before the Commission, will the right hon. Gentleman press for an early interim report on that subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is covered by the next question.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the Prime Minister see that the Commission will not unduly hurry the report, but that they will at least accept evidence from all available sources?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so, but there is great necessity for hurrying up because certain provisions lapse, and, unless we are in a position to replace them, nothing can be done at all.
§ Mr. BUCHANANHow can a proper report be given on this important subject unless the Commission secure all the evidence available? May I further ask if the right hon. Gentleman, in his wisdom in appointing the Commission, should not have appointed a Commission that would meet six days a week instead of at weekends?
§ Mr. SMITHERSIn view of the importance of the evidence of Sir Richard Hopkins, is it not advisable that some definition of policy or action should be given as soon as possible?