§ 3. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to state what action the Government will take when the present unemployment insurance arrangements end in June this year; and whether he is contemplating introducing a Bill at an early date?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe Government have announced that they intend to introduce comprehensive legislation on this subject this Session. It will not be practicable, however, to bring this legislation into operation by 30th June and a Bill for prolonging the existing arrangements temporarily will therefore be introduced at an early date.
§ Mr. LAWSONCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when the Bill will be introduced?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI cannot say definitely, but I should think it will be soon after the Whitsuntide Recess.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the Bill deal only with questions relating to the means test and its present administration, or will it also continue the Anomalies Act at the same time.
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe hon. Member had better wait and see the Bill. 497 The Anomalies Act is one of those Acts which expires at the end of June and will be extended.
§ Mr. BUCHANANAll in one Bill?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONAll in one Bill.
§ Mr. BATEYIf it is the intention to introduce the Bill immediately after the Whitsuntide Recess, will it be printed so that we can see the Bill before the Recess?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI will see that it is printed in ample time for hon. Members to see it before the Debate.