HC Deb 23 February 1933 vol 274 cc1882-3
20. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the volunteer work scheme in Germany, whereby work has been provided for 200,000 youths on schemes of communal service; and if he will consider introducing a similar scheme into this country?

Sir H. BETTE.RTON

I am aware of the scheme to which the hon. Member refers. The hon. Member will appreciate that a scheme appropriate to one country may not be suitable for another. I am, however, giving the matter careful consideration.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not better to form a scheme appropriate to this country, instead of having no scheme?

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right lion. Gentleman notice the recent changes that have taken place in Germany when he is considering this matter?

47. Mr. PEAT

asked the Prime Minister if he would lay upon the Table a schedule of suggested schemes for the alleviation of unemployment made by Members on the Floor of the House which has been tabulated by the Government for consideration; and if he will have marked with an asterisk those schemes to which the Government are prepared to give further consideration?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

The suggestions to which. I referred on Thursday last were those mentioned by hon. Members in the course of the Debate on Unemployment in November. As the Debate is on record, no purpose would be served by my laying upon the Table the schedule to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be helpful to all Members of the House if such a paper were laid on the Table, so that we could know definitely which of the schemes, if any, the Government have in mind?

The PRIME MINISTER

I hope the House will not ask that a precedent should be set for the Government issuing a sort of schedule of schemes that have been referred to in the course of debates, to which every hon. Member can refer if he will turn to the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. PEAT

Does the schedule mentioned in fact exist?

The PRIME MINISTER

I would remind my hon. Friend that I said it did, and therefore it does.