§ 52. Mr. BANFIELD (for Mr. THORNE)asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reasons for his refusal to see the deputation from the delegates from Liverpool and other distressed areas in connection with the 40 per cent. relief contemplated by the Unemployment Bill; and if he can now state whether 1st July is to be the appointed day?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy right hon. Friend received a deputation representing the distressed areas on the 7th December last, after the Unemployment Bill had received Second Heading. He also gave very full consideration to further representations which were made to him on their behalf before he announced, on the 27th February during the Debate, in Committee on Clause 44 of the Bill, that the special grant to distressed areas would be continued until Part II of the Bill came into operation. In these circumstances it did not seem to him that any useful purpose would be served by receiving a further deputation. No statement can yet be made as regards the appointed days under the Bill.