HC Deb 22 June 1936 vol 313 c1419
37. Mr. LEVY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now indicate when he intends introducing the new unemployment regulations?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)

No, Sir.

Mr. MATHERS

Is it the intention of the Minister that we must wait until the abnormal statistics contained in the district officers' reports, which are appended to the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board, shall sink in, before these regulations are brought forward?

Mr. BEVAN

Is it intended to postpone the introduction of these new regulations so that their full operation will be known only when Parliament is in recess?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I do not think I need add anything to the answer which I have already given—that I cannot indicate when my right hon. Friend intends introducing the regulations.

Mr. BEVAN

Are not the Minister and the Government aware of the extreme desirability that these new regulations, which are a subject of interest to millions of people, should be introduced so that their full effect will be known while Parliament is sitting?

Sir P. HARRIS

Do I understand that the regulations have been received by the Minister from the board; and, if so, why is he holding them back? Is it because there is difference of opinion between the board and the Minister?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I can add nothing to the answer which I have already given.