8. Mr. PRICEasked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of transitional payments at the latest 244 date; and whether, under the Government's new proposals, the administration and finance of transitional payments will be handed over to the Ministry of Health or remain with the Ministry of Labour?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONAt 20th March, 1933, there were 1,003,807 men and 58,858 women on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain with applications authorised for transitional payments. As regards the second part of the question, I am unable to anticipate forthcoming legislation.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether such approval for the transfer of 1,300,000 persons is likely to take place?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, I obviously cannot anticipate the details of the forthcoming legislation.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, before any such drastic alterations take place, the House will be given an opportunity of discussing the question?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe House will have a full opportunity of discussing it when the Bill is before the House.