HC Deb 29 June 1938 vol 337 cc1899-900
46. Mr. Boothby

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a Royal Commission to examine the question of family allowances?

The Prime Minister

I have given careful attention to the representations on this subject which have been made in the House and elsewhere. As at present advised I do not think that the time has come to make an inquiry of the kind proposed into this subject.

Mr. Boothby

In view of the bearing of this question on the whole problem of nutrition and of the widespread public interest that is taken in it, will the Prime Minister give us an undertaking that it will be carefully examined by the Government?

The Prime Minister

It will be kept under consideration. I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by examination.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that there is considerable and deep-seated hostility among the trade unions to any system of family allowances which is borne by the industry? In the meantime will the Government use their influence to raise wage standards?

Miss Rathbone

If the Prime Minister does not want to appoint a Royal Commission, will he consider appointing some other form of inquiry in view of the fact that it is now two years since the Statutory Committee on Unemployment Insurance called attention to the necessity of such an inquiry?

The Prime Minister

It is not so much a question of the form of the inquiry as of whether there should be an inquiry.

Mr. Pilkington

In view of the fact that family allowances are taken into consideration in all forms of public relief, does not my right hon. Friend think it extremely desirable that industry should pursue a similar policy?

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