HC Deb 24 September 1931 vol 256 cc1795-7
7. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government will consider allowing the amount to be saved

circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

on economies in unemployment benefits to be found wholly by the removal of anomalies and abuses so far as this may prove practicable, with a view to leaving the present rate of unemployment benefit unchanged?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir. This is not a practicable course.

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. MANDER:

11. To ask the Minister of Labour whether the Government are prepared to make arrangements by which the proposed reduction in unemployment benefit shall be restored in the event of there being an equivalent increase in the cost of living?

Major COLFOX

On a point of Order. Before this question is asked, may I submit that it is a hypothetical question?

Mr. SPEAKER

It would not be on the Order Paper if it were.

Sir H. BETTERTON

I would refer my my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Kettering (Mr. Perry) by the Lord President of the Council.

Mr. MANDER

In view of the fact that the unemployed are going to have, in addition, a devaluation cut and a tariff cut, will the hon. Gentlemen not reconsider abandoning these proposals?

Mr. PERRY

Has the hon. Gentleman now got a copy of the circular referred to yesterday showing an increase of 2s. 3d. a sack on flour?

Sir H. BETTERTON

That is not relevant to the question on the Paper. The answer to that question was given by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council yesterday.

Mr. PERRY

Did the hon. Gentleman refer to that answer?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the retail charges in the co-operative shops?