HC Deb 27 January 1943 vol 386 cc496-7
48. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of inviting Sir William Beveridge to conduct an inquiry into the most effective means of preventing unemployment after the war?

Mr. Attlee

The prevention of unemployment cannot be dissociated from Government policy over the whole field of economic affairs. Examination of this matter must therefore form an integral part of the study of post-war policy by the Government, and it is undesirable at this stage that it should be entrusted to any single individual.

Mr. Mander

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the wide experience and knowledge of Sir William Beveridge will be made use of in this connection?

Mr. Attlee

The hon. Member will realise that the experience of Sir William Beveridge has been made use of and is being made use of very fully by the Government.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not the case that Sir William Beveridge had the supreme advantage of being an official at the Ministry of Labour during the long period of high unemployment which existed before the war?

Mr. Stephen

Is it not the case that the only way of preventing unemployment is by the socialisation of industry?

Mr. MacLaren

Is it present in the right hon. Gentleman's mind that Sir William Beveridge on three occasions has declared that he does not know what is the cause of unemployment and wishes other people to find out for him?