§ 40. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour when the National Council of Social Service is to begin its work among the unemployed as an agent of the Ministry of Labour; the nature of the work proposed; and whether it is his intention to give equal recognition to other organisations which have been doing voluntary work in many areas for some time?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)The National Council of Social Service which, as the hon. Member knows, is a widely representative body, has been engaged for some time in co-ordinating and guiding voluntary efforts to provide occupation for the unemployed and has recently taken steps to strengthen and widen its organisation still further. The Government attach the greatest importance to the development of these voluntary efforts and has invited the Council to act as the central national body for this purpose. I should make it clear that the work is essentially voluntary and unofficial and the Council will not be in any sense an agent of the Ministry. The Government recognise to the full that there are many separate organisations doing admirable work in this field. The help of all of them is needed and the Government trust that they will all be prepared to co-operate with the Council in a common object.
§ Mr. LAWSONDo we understand then that the Government are not making any financial contribution towards this organisation?
§ Mr. HUDSONI think the hon. Member had better put a question down if he desires further information.