§ 16. Mr. LOGANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to issue regulations providing that all applicants under the Unemployment Assistance Board should be granted coal allowances throughout the winter months?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThis is a matter for the Unemployment Assistance Board, who inform me that allowances are determined, and, where necessary, varied on the actual needs of each individual case.
§ Mr. LOGANThat is not the question I asked. I asked whether the Minister is prepared to issue regulations to give this supply of coal in the winter months. I want further to ask whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware that the assistance committees are giving it? Is it not absurd that a body is not able to make applications, and will nothing be done?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI cannot give any undertaking that any such regulations will be issued. As I pointed out, under the working of the Unemployment 275 Assistance Board at the present time they have the power to vary their determinations to suit the individual case.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that they are refusing, and I am asking whether the Minister will make provision in the winter months to see that this supply is given?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADNo, I have already said that I cannot give any such undertaking.
§ Mr. MAXTONThere is plenty of coal.