HC Deb 23 November 1939 vol 353 cc1369-70
12. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the attitude of the Unemployment Assistance Board towards the need for increasing the allowances to the unemployed to meet the increase in the cost of living?

Mr. E. Brown

The matter is under consideration of the Unemployment Assistance Board, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Shinwell

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to make a statement? Does he appreciate that time is passing, and that there is an increase in the cost of living?

Mr. Brown

I am aware of that.

Mr. R. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the material is which he is examining?

Mr. Brown

The answer is that the Board think it their duty to examine the position in the light of their statutory duties.