§ 7. Mr. Loganasked 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. Alexanderasked 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. LoganIn 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. SpeakerThe question should be put to the Department concerned.
§ Mr. LoganSuppose 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. SpeakerHe can allow the Minister to act as his intermediary.
§ Mr. E. BrownA 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. LoganMay 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. KirbyIs 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. BrownI have already said in my answer that I have received a request for a deputation and it is under consideration.