HC Deb 29 May 1936 vol 312 cc2387-8
24. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Minister of Labour, whether Sir William Beveridge is to continue as chairman of the Un employment Insurance Statutory Committee in addition to the important duties undertaken as chairman of a committee under the Minister of the Co ordination of Defence?

Mr. E. BROWN

Yes, Sir.

Mr. LAWSON

Is this highly-paid post not a full-time job in itself, in view of the continued inquiries that are going on respecting unemployment insurance?

Mr. BROWN

I am quite sure that Sir William Beveridge would not have accepted the other post unless he was quite sure he could carry out both duties, and I share that confidence.

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not a fact that some of the inquiries which have been conducted, particularly under the 1934 Act, are by far the most important?

Mr. BROWN

It is true, but that does not prevent the other thing as well.

Mr. ATTLEE

Is it not a fact that the question is not whether Sir William Beveridge thinks he can do all this various work, but whether the right hon. Gentleman himself is satisfied that the work, which is being paid for, will be fully done, seeing that Sir William Beveridge has not only other duties under the co-ordination of defence, but also a very important university post?

Mr. BROWN

If the right hon. Gentle man had listened he would have heard that I took care to say that.