HC Deb 14 April 1938 vol 334 cc1282-3
4. Mr. G. Hall

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the heavy cuts now taking place in the allowance of a large number of unemployed persons in Glamorgan owing to the liquidation of the standstill Order; and will he take steps to prevent further reductions being applied in the future?

Mr. E. Brown

These reductions are being made under the Statutory Regulations providing for the transition from the "standstill," in accordance with the recommendations of the local advisory committee. The period allowed under the Regulations for the completion of the transition expires on 15th May. The transition is already practically complete in most other areas of the country and applicants in Glamorganshire have had the advantage of a programme of adjustments spread over the maximum period possible under the law. It is always open to an aggrieved applicant to exercise his right to appeal to the appeals tribunal, but the matter is not one in which I have any authority to interfere.

Mr. Hall

Notwithstanding the fact that it is in accordance with the "standstill," the cuts are very drastic and are causing no end of suffering to these applicants, and will the right hon. Gentleman recon- sider the cut from 17s. to l0s. a week for any person over 21 years of age living at home?

Mr. Brown

The House decided that when the Regulations were passed.

Mr. David Grenfell

If the reasons that were held to justify the extension of the adjustment period no longer hold, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider extending this condition and giving more generous allowances to people who have been so long unemployed and who are in very distressed circumstances?

Mr. Brown

That is not our opinion at the moment.

12. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered a communication from the Fifeshire District Council of the National Unemployed Workers' movement requesting the attendance of the area officers of the Unemployment Assistance Board at a meeting to be held in Cowdenbeath, on Wednesday, 4th May, for the discussion of matters relating to the Unemployment Assistance Board's administration; and whether the area officers have been asked to attend the conference?

Mr. Brown

I understand that the Unemployed Workers' Movement have communicated to the district officer of the Unemployment Assistance Board their intention of taking a deputation to the Board's area office at Cowdenbeath on 4th May. The action to be taken on the communication rests with the Board.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not possible for the Minister to recommend the Board to give favourable consideration to this?

Mr. Brown

That is a question which in their discretion they will judge in the circumstances of the case.