§ 18. Mr. E. SMITHasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the need for the payment of increased benefits to all unemployed men and women at Christmas, 1936?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADMy right hon. Friend has no power to authorise any increase of unemployment benefit rates at Christmas. As regards unem- 1895 ployment allowances, the new Regulations have only recently come into force and the process of dealing with the anomalies and inequalities which were incident to the Standstill has barely started. The situation is one, therefore, in which any general payment of Christmas allowances would give rise to serious difficulty and would not be justifiable. After carefully considering the present situation, therefore, the Board have decided against making increases in determinations during next Christmas week except in so far as the circumstances of individual cases may warrant.
§ Mr. JAMES GRIFFITHSSince the Minister says that the Ministry of Labour have no power to do what is asked, will they come to the House and ask for power, because I am sure the House would like to give it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADWe do not contemplate doing that.
§ Mr. E. SMITHIn view of the wide sympathy in the House on the last occasion when this matter was raised, will the Minister reconsider his reply in view of the relative improvement in the Unemployment Insurance Fund?
§ Mr. LYONSWill the Minister consider making representations whereby those persons who are in work will not have their wages reduced on such a compulsory holiday?
§ Mr. GALLACHERIs the Minister not aware that every unemployed family is a case that warrants increased assistance at this particular time?
§ Lieut. - Colonel MUIRHEADThe answer to all the three questions is that I have nothing to add to my original answer.