HC Deb 05 May 1932 vol 265 cc1254-5
2. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour if he is yet in a position to state when the report of the Commission on Unemployment Insurance will be presented; and if he addressed any recent communication to the Commission that the report should be speeded up?

Sir H. BETTERTON

There has been a series of questions on this subject recently, including one last Monday from the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson), and I should like to make the position clear. We are all anxious to have the report of the Commission as soon as possible, and I am sure that the Commission will not delay it for a moment longer than is necessary. At the same time, we must all recognise that the matters which the Commission are considering are extremely difficult and very complex, and, even if it were within my power to do so, I should not wish to abridge the time properly required for arriving at the right solution on matters of such importance. While, therefore, I hope the report may be received before long I cannot specify any date, and no communication has been made to the Commission asking them to hasten their report.

Mr. BUCHANAN

While I appreciate the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask, if there is to be undue delay —if, for instance, the Commission is held up by strong differences of opinion—is there no power that he can take to get the report? Must this report be held up for an unlimited time?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I do not think that it will be held up for an unlimited time. I am certain that the Commission are as anxious to bring their labours to a conclusion as I am to receive their report. At the same time, I cannot put on a time limit or make representations.

Mr. BUCHANAN

What reason has the Minister for saying that he expects a report at an early date; on what basis is he working, because he has been saying that for a long time?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I have reason to think that the Commission have ceased taking evidence and are now actually considering their report. They stopped taking evidence only comparatively recently.