HC Deb 07 December 1936 vol 318 cc1629-30
38. Mr. WHITELEY

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have now considered the evidence submitted by the hunger marchers; and whether it is the intention to abolish the means test or to bring about some revision of same?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on 19th November last.

Mr. WHITELEY

Arising out of that reply, have the Government given any consideration to the definite evidence put before the Minister upstairs, and have they come to any decision?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

The hon. Member will recollect that my right hon. Friend promised to look into any individual cases that might be submitted to him. With regard to a decision, I think he will find the answer to that contained in the last part of the answer to which I have referred.

Mr. WHITELEY

May I call the attention of the Minister to the fact that none of his replies to these questions have dealt with the question whether the Government have considered the means test itself, and whether they have decided to allow it to remain or to make any revision in it?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I think the hon. Member will find that the last part of the answer makes that clear. There has been no change in the Government's attitude since then.

Mr. SHINWELL

Are we to understand from that answer that the evidence of national indignation has had no effect on the Government's mind in the matter?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I am not prepared to accept the hon. Member's definition of indignation in this case.

Mr. WHITELEY

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.