§ 45. Mr. Tinkerasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider giving a day to discuss the increased cost of living and the bearing it has on the fixed incomes, such as those on unemployment benefit and old age pensions, with a view to raising such incomes to meet the increase?
§ The Prime MinisterI fear I can hold out no hope of a special opportunity being afforded for the discussion of this subject.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that wherever one goes and at every meeting one attends the question is put to us as to what we are going to do about this matter? Cannot he give u a date for discussion so that the whole facts may be brought before the House?
§ The Prime MinisterThere are other opportunities of raising the matter.
§ Captain Harold BalfourIs it not a fact that the cost of living index for the first quarter of this year is 13.0 below that of 1930, and that unemployment assistance averaged 5s. 6d. more than it did in 1930, when the Labour Government were in office?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not equally true that as a result of the reduction in the unemployment figures, for which the Government claim credit, there has been a lessened expenditure in unemployment assistance?
§ Mr. TinkerIn view of the seriousness of this matter, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the first available opportunity on the Adjournment.