HC Deb 01 October 1931 vol 257 cc515-6
46. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether any Minister is specially charged with the duty of preparing schemes for the relief of unemployment; and to whom should questions be addressed in Parliament on matters of general policy dealing with unemployment?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is for the moment in the negative. Each De- partmental Minister will be responsible under the Cabinet for matters arising within his own field, and questions relating to particular matters should be addressed to the Departmental Ministers concerned. When general policy is involved, the questions should be addressed to me.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

With regard to the right hon. Gentleman's answer to the first part of the question, is it intended to appoint a special Minister when the policy has been settled?

The PRIME MINISTER

When the policy is settled, the consequence will be taken.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

When will the policy be settled?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Arising out of the original reply, seeing that this winter we are going to have more unemployment than formerly, will the right hon. Gentleman bend his mind to making some provision to meet that situation when it does occur?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a new point. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put the question on the Paper.