§ 92. Mr. ALBERYasked the Minister of Labour whether he can now give any information concerning inquiries made in accordance with the Government's undertaking to investigate exceptional cases of hardship under the present means test, including those affecting family life?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the inquiries necessary for framing revised unemployment assistance regulations. My hon. Friend will not expect me to make any announcement in advance of the draft regulations themselves.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to issue the draft regulations?
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the importance of this matter, of the promise embodied in the Gracious Speech and the promises made by several right hon. Gentlemen who are his colleagues, give the approximate date for the issues of these regulations?
§ Mr. BROWNThe approximate time has been given on many occasions—the Spring—and that still holds good.
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that the Minister and the Committee are at variance, and that that is the reason why we cannot get a definite answer?