§ 8. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the advisability of circularising public assistance committees calling their attention to the amendments adopted in the Unemployment Bill with regard to allowances for War pensions and other matters, suggesting that they should give consideration to the question of putting these into operation forthwith?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir. In so far as the Unemployment Bill changes the law it would be illegal for the authorities to bring its provisions into force before it becomes an Act, and it would be most improper for me to invite them to do so.
§ Mr. MANDERWill it be within the discretion of the public assistance committees to adjust what they have been doing to the changes that are now taking place?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThat is a matter for the public assistance committees. To my mind it would be wholly wrong for me to attempt to give directions before the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
§ Mr. MANDERThe public assistance committees can exercise their free discretion in the matter?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONTheir discretion is not affected.