HC Deb 02 April 1940 vol 359 cc25-6
48. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that he will safeguard the balances at the credit of the Unemployment Fund, in view of the probable need therefor for the purpose for which they are appropriated and, in particular, will not encroach on that fund for the purpose of liquidating in part the National Debt?

Sir J. Simon

The balances at the credit of the Unemployment Fund (General and Agricultural Accounts) can only be utilised for the purposes laid down by Statute, and there is no question of the fund being encroached upon for other purposes.