HC Deb 26 February 1934 vol 286 cc757-8
47. Mr. MABANE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the exceptional circumstances, with a view to removing opposition to certain provisions of the Unemployment Bill, he will consider making a declaration that before any other concessions are made from the Exchequer the cuts in unemployment benefit imposed in 1931 will be restored?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 1st February to questions by the hon. Member for Bolton (Sir J. Haslam) and the hon. Member for Deritend (Mr. Smedley Crooke) to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. MABANE

Is my hon. Friend aware of the apprehensions felt in the House that technical considerations will prevent the restoration of the unemployment benefit cuts in the Budget, and, in view of the exceptional circumstances, will he secure that a declaration is made that a budgetary restoration of the cuts is in fact possible?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My right hon. Friend made a statement on that subject.