§ 44. Mr. MABANEasked the Prime Minister whether, to enable Members to submit for consideration schemes likely to assist in the alleviation of unemployment, he will give the House details of the new machinery set up by the Government whereby a conference of leading business men is assisting the Government in the consideration of such schemes, and give the House full information as to the form and manner in which schemes should be submitted, and state how Members may learn the result of the consideration given to schemes which they may submit?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn so far as proposals which hon. Members have in mind affect a particular Department, they should be brought to the notice of the Minister in charge of that Department. If hon. Members are in doubt which is the appropriate Department, they can address their proposals to me and I will see that they reach their proper destination. Departments are able to consult the business men to whom I referred in the Debate on unemployment on Thursday last. The other parts of the question will be kept in mind.
§ Mr. MABANECan the Prime Minister go a little more into detail as to the conference of business men to which he referred in his speech last week?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI tried to give all the details I could of the conference which Ministers can consult; it varies in its members according to the point under consultation.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIf I put a question on the Order Paper, will the Prime Minister be in a position to say what sort of machinery is being set up to deal with the question of cotton; that is, in connection with the conference of business men?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question must be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISCan we have the names of the business men who are helping the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly not.