HC Deb 04 November 1937 vol 328 c1087
14. Mr. Barnes

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have now come to a decision with regard to the recommendation of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee in favour of raising the limit of entry into unemployment insurance from £250 to £400 per annum, having regard to the fact that this report was issued as long ago as the 7th February, 1936?

Mr. E. Brown

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 28th October to similar questions put by the hon. Members for Birkenhead East (Mr. White) and Clay Cross (Mr. Ridley).

Mr. Holdsworth

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that there has been a good deal of discussion on this matter?

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Member knows, we have had a report on it.

Mr. Lawson

What are the reasons for not acting on this recommendation? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Health decided to raise, and has actually raised, the limit in the case of health insurance? Why cannot the right hon. Gentleman take this simple step?

Mr. Brown

I cannot add anything to the answer I gave last week.

Mr. Shinwell

As the previous answers did not carry the matter any further, will the Minister now tell us whether he intends to take any action?

Mr. Brown

I said I could not promise to do it this Session.

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