§ 44. Mr. BRACKENasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increase in unemployment in the classes designated black-coat workers, who are not advantaged by any State unemployment legislation, the Government will take immediate action to alleviate the hardships of those classes?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)My hon. Friend will be aware that the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance made certain recommendations for raising the limit of remuneration below which unemployment insurance legislation applies, and these recommendations are at present under consideration. But it would not be possible to provide for separate or preferential treatment in regard to relief from public funds. The best relief that can be given to this class of unemployed is a revival of general trade.
§ Mr. BRACKENHave the Government any policy to relieve the hardships of these people?
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the revival of trade likely to come in the near future?
§ Mr. BRACKENIn view of the unsatisfactory and defeatist answers I have received from the Prime Minister, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)As the reply includes a table of figures I will, if I may, circulate a, statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the statement: