HC Deb 22 February 1938 vol 332 cc171-2
17. Mr. Day

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give particulars of the progress that has been made with the work of promoting the organisation of various industries that require special treatment, with a view to mitigating the present unemployment?

Mr. Stanley

The aim of the Government is to foster conditions at home and abroad in which trade and industry can expand, and thus create employment. One effect of this policy has been to encourage improvements in the organisation of a number of industries and in this work the Government have given and are continuing to give, in appropriate cases, such assistance as they properly can.

Mr. Day

Will the Minister be good enough to answer the question, and let the House know what progress has been made?

Mr. Stanley

If there is any particular information that the hon. Member wants, I shall be glad to give it, but, of course, he will have in mind all kinds of matters, like the shipping subsidy, the agreement as to minimum freights, the Iron and Steel Federation, and a number of other industries which one cannot possibly include in an answer.

Mr. Day

Do I understand that no definite progress has been made?

19. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to ascertain whether there is a shortage in the country of any goods required to satisfy the needs and comforts of the entire population, with the view of the unemployed workers being organised for the production of such goods; and whether he will consider, should investigation reveal that there is no shortage, but, on the contrary, abundance, how the system of distribution, particularly among the working class of the country, can be improved so that it can keep pace with production?

Mr. Stanley

I see no necessity for a general investigation. I am convinced that the well-being of the community generally is best served and improved by the steady development of the social, economic and financial policies of the Government.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are tens of thousands of as good men as he or I who are on the verge of starvation at the moment in our country; and will he be prepared to receive a deputation representing these men and women?

Mr. Stanley

I am fully aware of the facts, and everybody must sympathise with those who are out of employment, but I do not think anyone can deny that the general standard of living in this country is higher to-day than at any previous time.