§ 5. Mr. A. Jenkinsasked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to increase unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance allowance so as to make the payments correspond to the increase in the cost of living?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs regards unemployment benefit, I would ask the hon. Member to await the forthcoming publication of the financial reports of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee for the year ended 31st December, 1939, which I have just received. The hon. Member will be aware that unemployment allowances were recently increased in accordance with Regulations approved by Parliament on 13th December, 1939.
§ 8. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Labour whether any representations have been received by the Unemployment Statutory Committee from the National Unemployed Workers' Movement concerning the necessity of raising the rate of unemployment benefit to meet the increased cost of living; whether any reply has been sent; and is he contemplating taking any steps in this direction?
§ Mr. BrownI understand that the committee received such representations and that their receipt was acknowledged. The action which I shall take must depend on the report of the committee which I have just received.
§ Mr. GallacherHave the Unemployment Statutory Committee made a reply to the National Unemployed Workers' Movement and suggested anything in the nature of an increase in the allowance?
§ Mr. BrownThat will be revealed in the report, which always sets out the number of bodies and persons from whom the committee have received representations.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIs not the National Unemployed Workers' Movement a branch of the Soviet Government?
§ Mr. BrownI should say without doubt that a large number of its branches are under Communist inspiration.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that this movement is a long-standing and independent organisation of the unemployed in this country?