§ 69. Miss Eleanor Rathboneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the inquiry into the costs and possible methods of a scheme of family allowances, which he announced last summer, has been completed; and when the results will be made available to the House?
§ 70. Mr. Lindsayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has noted the recent decisions of the Trades Union Congress on the question of family allowances; and whether the inter-Departmental committee sitting under his guidance has now formulated any conclusions?
§ Captain CrookshankMy right hon. Friend has noted the decision of the Trades Union Congress General Council. The investigation which my right hon. Friend undertook in relation to family allowances is approaching completion, and my right hon. Friend hopes to complete it shortly after the Budget.
§ Miss RathboneDoes not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman remember that it is about nine months ago since that committee was appointed, and in view of the urgency of the question and of the great volume of public support for it, is it not about time that the committee hurried up with its conclusions?
§ Mr. LindsayDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman also remember that the most formidable point the Chancellor raised was the opposition to the change by the T.U.C., which is now largely removed?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir. I remember all these things, but I also remember that a minute ago I said the investigation was approaching completion.