§ 43. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now able to give the date of the introduction of the new unemployment assistance regulations?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Salford South (Mr. Stourton) of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. MANDERCan the hon. and gallant Member be a little more specific? Will they be introduced before Whitsuntide?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI have given the hon. Member an answer, but if he will read the answer to which I have referred he will get further information.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the Minister of Labour make his Department cease trifling with the House and give a definite answer to the question?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWhat is the point of this prolonged delay in acquainting the House and the public with this very important matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADThe matter is being considered.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that the matter has been under active consideration for upwards of 12 months and yet there is no definite reply?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI am quite aware of that and I have taken a small part in the consideration of this question myself.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the delay due to the fact that there is a split in the Cabinet on the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI am not in the Cabinet.