HC Deb 23 September 1931 vol 256 cc1644-5
48. Mr. PERRY

asked the Prime Minister to what amount the £70,032,000 of economies in the financial year 1932 will be reduced by the concessions to be made to teachers, police and members of the Fighting Services; and if the Government will now extend similar concessions to unemployed persons in view of the increased prices of commodities since 19th September?

Mr. S. BALDWIN

The answer to the first part of the question is that the cost of the concessions referred to is estimated to amount approximately to £3,545,000 in 1932—that is a full year—and that the necessary steps are being taken to secure such additional economies as may be required in order to maintain the balance of next year's Budget. I cannot follow the assumption implied in the latter part of the question and as the Prime Minister stated on the 21st September the reduction in the rates of unemployment benefit must remain at 10 per cent.

Mr. PERRY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the flour millers have already issued a circular increasing their prices by 12½ per cent.?

Mr. BALDWIN

I hope the hon. Member will not get nervous about the situation. All the advice we have at present is that there is no immediate fear of a rise in prices, and it is impossible at this moment to say what the ultimate effect of the events of last week will be.

Mr. PERRY

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly consider the quotation sent out by the flour millers already increasing prices by 12½ per cent.? I am not nervous.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Will the Government in case any increased taxation is made necessary by these relaxations also consider the position of the co-operative societies, the only class of traders who are making no sacrifice?

Mr. R. A. TAYLOR

Is it impossible for the right hon. Gentleman to agree to any concession with regard to the unemployed by reason of any agreement that he was party to with any financiers. British or foreign?

Mr. SPEAKER

These supplementary questions do not arise from the original question, and therefore should not be answered.