§ 45. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Prime Minister what further steps he proposes to take to meet the increased cost of living in its relation to the unemployed persons who are dependent on insurance benefits or unemployment assistance allowances, or upon old age, widows' and orphans' pensions; and, in view of the fact that the increased cost of living increases distress and want among these persons who previously had no surplus for food, clothing, heating, and rent, will he give this House an early opportunity of discussing the necessity of increasing all these allowances to avoid a further impairment of their health and well-being?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has replied recently to a number of questions on the subject of unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance in relation to the cost of living, and has indicated certain action which the Unemployment Assistance Board are taking. I would refer in particular to the replies given by him to the hon. Members for Doncaster (Mr. Short) and Llanelly (Mr. j. Griffiths) on 21st October, and to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 28th October. My right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary has replied to analogous questions as regards pensions, in particular on 28th October, to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams). As regards the last part of the question, in view of the discussion which took place within the last few days in the Debate on the Address and the references to this subject then made by my right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I do not think there is 1770 any ground for making arrangements for a further discussion.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Prime Minister perfectly satisfied with all the questions he has heard put across the Floor backing up the statement I have made in this question, and is he satisfied that he is doing his job correctly in allowing conditions to remain as they are [HON. MEMBERS: Order! "] On a point of Order. Owing to the reply being so unsatisfactory I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first available opportunity with the Prime Minister and nobody else.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member has given notice to raise the matter on the Adjournment.