§ 36. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made for Scottish administration under the new public assistance board to be set up under the Unemployment Bill; and if Scotland is to be granted devolution in connection with this scheme?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)In accordance with Part II of the Unemployment Bill, the Unemployment Assistance Board will be responsible for administration throughout Great Britain. I cannot at present say what arrangements the board will make for local administration in Scotland, but I have no doubt that they will be carefully considered.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman in a position to tell the House when the Unemployment Bill will start to operate? Can he give us the date?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe answer to the question is contained in the Bill itself. The Bill, of course, is not yet law; it has not yet received the Royal Assent-Sir PERCY HARRIS: Will this board be permanently sitting in London, or will it be a travelling board?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThat I cannot possibly say; it is a matter for the board.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI would like the Minister to tell the House, if it be possible, the appointed day when the Bill will be brought into operation. Surely there is some idea as to the date when the Bill is going to operate?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI beg pardon; I did not realise that that was the point that the hon. Member had in mind. I am afraid I am not in a position to answer that question.