§ 48. Mr. Manderasked the Paymaster-General what consideration is being given at the present time to the preparation of plans for preventing unemployment after the war; how far it has proceeded and when a report can be made to the House?
§ The Paymaster-General (Sir William Jowitt)As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for the Seaham Division (Mr. Shinwell). The problem is one underlying Government policy in many fields, both at home and abroad, and X could not undertake at this stage to forecast how and when decisions bearing upon it will be submitted to the House.
§ Mr. ManderWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that 2066 there is no question in the public mind more important for the future than this? Can he not give some hope that a report can be made at a fairly early date?
§ Sir W. JowittI fully realise that there is no question in the public mind, or in fact, more important, but the hon. Member will see that domestic policy must be dependent to a considerable extent on the international settlement.
§ Mr. ManderHow many committees has the right hon. and learned Gentleman engaged on various aspects of the problem?
§ Sir W. JowittA very large number.
§ Mr. ManderThirty or forty?