§ 47. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received, and from what Scottish local authorities, protesting against the financial conditions of the Unemployment Bill?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I received representations of the views of Scottish local authorities generally on the 1485 financial provisions of the Unemployment Bill so far as they affect local authorities on Wednesday last, 29th November, when I met a deputation from the Convention of Royal Burghs, the Association of County Councils, and the Association of Counties of Cities.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the towns that I represent, Clydebank and Dumbarton, if the Bill goes through in its present form, it means an increase in the rates of 1s. 5d. on the £ rent?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, I am sure that cannot be so.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI cannot understand why the right hon. Gentleman makes such a reply, because the councils have gone into the matter, and—
§ 50. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an estimate of the annual liability to be incurred by the Treasury through the operation of Part II of the Unemployment Bill?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer my right hon. Friend to paragraph 18 of the Financial Memorandum attached to the Bill.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs this a fixed liability, or does it depend on the discretion of the Commissioners?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf my right hon. Friend will be kind enough to read the paragraph to which I have referred, he will see that it is discussed there and that such information is given as is possible.