HC Deb 02 March 1931 vol 249 cc27-8
64. Sir F. HALL

asked the Minister of Labour whether she will consider introducing legislation at once to amend the existing law governing the grant of unemployment pay so as to deal with those legal abuses of the present system which are known to exist, and as to the desirability of remedying which there may be substantial agreement without waiting for the conclusion of the investigations which are now being carried out by the Royal Commission?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is apparently in favour of judgment first and inquiry afterwards, where claimants to unemployment benefit are concerned. As was made clear in the recent Debates on the Unemployment Insurance Bill, the Government do not propose to introduce legislation on these subjects until the Royal Commission has heard evidence from organisations of employers and workers and from local authorities and has made its recommendations.

Sir F. HALL

Does the right hon. Lady not think, knowing that these abuses do exist, that it is quite time they should be taken cognisance of?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.

Captain P. MACDONALD

On a point of Order. Is the right hon. Lady justified in making allegations in reply to a question by an hon. Member, and attributing something to him that is not contained in the question?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is best not to do so.

Sir F. HALL

Are you aware, Sir, that I absolutely ignored it?