HC Deb 25 June 1936 vol 313 cc1932-3
19. Mr. De CHAIR

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the plan submitted to him earlier in the session for the creation of a national labour reserve in which the unemployed could enjoy a more satisfactory status than they enjoy at present; and whether he will take advantage of the opportunity offered by the revision of the unemployment assistance regulations to substitute for the dole a form of reserve pay, such as the plan proposes, without additional cost to the State?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

The plan has been carefully considered by my right hon. Friend, but he regrets he cannot see his way to adopt it.

Mr. De CHAIR

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that considerable sympathy exists for this idea in responsible quarters?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I think a great deal of sympathy exists for a lot of ideas.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not the case that, if an unemployed man does a little work and receives 5s. or 10s., he is discouraged by having the whole of it taken off his unemployment pay? Is not that altogether wrong?