§ 57. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the copy sent to him of a programme entitled, "We can conquer unemployment"; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action to promote the schemes in that programme?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am the happy owner of an autographed copy of this programme. Before it could be seriously considered at the present tune it would need a good deal of bringing up to date.
§ Mr. WilliamsAs the Minister happens to be one of the signatories of the booklet entitled "We can conquer unemployment," what are the Government and the right hon. Gentleman going to do to carry out the promises made in 1928?
§ Mr. BrownIf the hon. Gentleman will look at his copy he will find that his statement is inaccurate. One of the reasons for my answer is that a great deal of the programme, more especially in regard to housing, telephones, and things of that kind, has been done during the lifetime of this Government.
69. Mr. Davidsonasked the Minister of Labour what new proposals affecting unemployment and unemployment administration have been placed into operation since his tour of Employment Exchanges?
§ Mr. BrownAs the hon. Member knows there is no single simple solution for unemployment but there have been developments in the activities of the Department in a number of directions during the past year. They will be detailed in the Annual Report of the Ministry shortly to be published.
Mr. DavidsonWill the schemes that are to be detailed indicate the reason for the increase in unemployment?
§ Mr. BrownI have already made it clear in the official statement issued every month, and perhaps the hon. Member will wait until next month.
§ Mr. ManderDoes it not all depend upon the weather?
§ Mr. MontagueAre we to understand that everything has been done by the Government that can be done and still there is a huge increase in unemployment? Does not this show that Socialism is necessary?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Margesson)Why not ask the Trades Union Council?