§ 62. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Government have made serious reductions in the administrative grants to trade unions' arrangements under Section 17 of The Unemployment insurance Act, 1920; if he is aware that a reduction of 6d. per week per member is insufficient to cover the cost of administration, and that a number of very large and important trade unions have refused to work under the new arrangements; and if he can state whether the Government intend making any modifications in connection with the matter?
The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)Yes, Sir. There have been reductions and further reductions are in contemplation. Several large trade unions have recently terminated their arrangements under Section 17, giving as their reason that they regard the rate of grant as insufficient, but I do not think a larger grant could justifiably be allowed out of the Unemployment Fund for the work to be covered. I am in communication with the General Council of the Trades Union Congress on the question of the rate of grant to be allowed after August, but cannot hold out any hope that the rate provisionally communicated to the Council can be altered in any material respect.