HC Deb 23 March 1939 vol 345 c1431
14. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour what special schemes to reduce and alleviate unemployment in this country have been inaugurated by his Department during the past two months?

Mr. E. Brown

During the last two months the Government's policy for stimulating employment and reducing unemployment has been pursued with unabated vigour. This policy is continuous and its efficacy cannot be related to any particular period of time.

Mr. Davidson

Does the Minister's reply indicate that he has brought into operation no special schemes at all and that the Government are continuing on the same lines as those which led to the recent figure of 2,000,000 unemployed?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Member waits, in a fortnight's time he may have a very different tale to tell.

Mr. Shinwell

Apart from the stimulus to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, can he indicate any special schemes which the Government have adopted to alleviate unemployment?

Mr. Brown

I have answered that question.