§ 27. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to accede to the request to receive a deputation of the unemployed?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)There would in my opinion be no public advantage in burdening Ministers with deputations regarding the measures of general policy which the Government propose. These measures will be announced and debated in the House of Commons.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the Prime Minister serving out the same treatment to other sections of the community that are being affected by these cuts as he is now serving out to the unemployed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERExactly the same treatment.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have all along negotiated with the bankers regarding those cuts?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have consulted experts in every matter that we have been considering. The ease of the unemployed is perfectly well known, and every one of us who was in the old Government still remain where we were because we want to serve them.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs not the Prime Minister aware that this is a life and death question affecting the lives of almost 9,000,000 of the poorest section of the community who have always looked to the Prime Minister for the last 30 years—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member will have an opportunity of making his re marks during the Debate. Hon. Members must not make speeches during question time.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg w 271 to give notice that I will raise this question at the first available opportunity. I am giving the Prime Minister notice.