§ 5. Mr. McKEAGasked the Minister of Labour if he has considered the representations made to him by the Durham County Council as to the additional burden placed upon the ratepayers in consequence of large numbers of men being disallowed unemployment insurance benefit; and what action he proposes to take in view of the fact that Durham is already a necessitous area?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe question of the arrangements to be made outside the Unemployment Insurance Scheme for the unemployed who are capable of and available for work is one of the matters which has been referred to the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance, and I am unable to take any action until the Commission's report has been received.
§ Mr. McKEAGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of relief of able-bodied unemployed in the county of Durham has increased by an amount approaching £1,000 per week since November of last year; and, since Durham is a very necessitous area, and this can only serve to aggravate the depression, will he not consider some earlier relaxation of the regulations?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir. Obviously, no alteration can be made without legislation; and, clearly, I can- 1300 not introduce legislation until I have the advantage of the guidance of the Royal Commission.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect the report to be available to Members before the Recess?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONYes, Sir, I expect it.