§ 45. Mr. MARTINasked the Prime Minister if he will consider the immediate appointment of a commission to inquire into the effects of unemployment on the industrial population of the country, with particular reference to the children, so that they may issue a report and make recommendations which could serve as a guide to those who will be charged with the duty of administering the Unemployment Insurance Bill when it becomes an Act?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)Having regard to the sources of information which are already open to the Government, and which will be at the disposal of those charged with the duty of administering the provisions of the Unemployment Bill, I do not think that it is necessary to appoint a special commission of inquiry.
§ Mr. MARTINWill the Prime Minister consider issuing some paper collecting and collating those sources of information?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am perfectly willing to consider the suggestion of my hon. Friend, but I doubt its utility.
§ 54. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take to protect local authorities from loss in the event of the coming into operation of the financial provisions of the Unemployment Bill being delayed?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHANo contributions will be required to be made by local authorities until the provisions of Part II of the Unemployment Bill with which they are concerned come into operation, and no question of loss can, therefore, arise.