§ 46. Mr. Boothbyasked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a Royal Commission to examine the question of family allowances?
§ The Prime MinisterI 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. BoothbyIn 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 MinisterIt will be kept under consideration. I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by examination.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill 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 RathboneIf 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 MinisterIt is not so much a question of the form of the inquiry as of whether there should be an inquiry.
§ Mr. PilkingtonIn 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?