HC Deb 24 June 1937 vol 325 cc1348-9
7. Mr. Logan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to bring in an amendment to Section 36 of the Unemployment Act, 1934, in order to include all able-bodied unemployed, whether coming within the conditions laid down by that section or not, with the object of the Government assuming responsibility for the full 100 per cent. maintenance of all the able-bodied unemployed?

11. Mr. A. V. Alexander

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the resolution passed at a conference of distressed areas held on nth June urging that Section 36 of the Unemployment Act should be amended in order to include all able-bodied unemployed with the object of the Government assuming responsibility for the 100 per cent. maintenance of all able-bodied unemployed; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. Logan

In asking my question, may I ask your guidance, Mr. Speaker, on a point of procedure. In putting a question which concerns legislation is it not in order to put it to the Prime Minister?

Mr. Speaker

The question should be put to the Department concerned.

Mr. Logan

Suppose the Minister is not able to answer without consultation with the Prime Minister, is it not possible to get a direct answer from the head of the Government?

Mr. Speaker

He can allow the Minister to act as his intermediary.

Mr. E. Brown

A reply on the subject in these questions was given on 17th June to the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) to which I would refer the hon. Members. A copy of the resolution referred to by the right hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. Alexander) reached me two days ago, and the request made in it that a deputation should be received is under consideration.

Mr. Logan

May I take it that the Minister has consulted the Prime Minister, and that it is the decision of the Prime Minister not to give 100 per cent. to the municipal bodies?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member must assume nothing of the kind.

Mr. Logan

I want to know what I can assume.

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member can draw his own conclusions from the statement in the answer.

Mr. Logan

Can I draw the conclusion that there will be no consideration?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member will not draw a correct conclusion if he does that.

Mr. Kirby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the significance of the resolution forwarded by a recent meeting of the local authorities in the distressed areas, and cannot he promise to-day that he will give serious consideration to it and accept the request of the local authorities for a deputation?

Mr. Brown

I have already said in my answer that I have received a request for a deputation and it is under consideration.