HC Deb 04 May 1943 vol 389 cc24-5
51. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he has any further statement to make on the Government's attitude to the Beveridge plan; and whether he will state the probable date of the introduction of the promised scheme of children's allowances?

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on 22nd April, in the course of the Debate on the Adjournment. As regards the second part, I would refer to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Wing-Commander James) on the same day.

Mr. Davies

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that his statement on the Beveridge plan did not meet with very much approval, and can he not be a little more explicit as to the probable date when the Government will implement the plan and begin to put it into operation?

Sir W. Jowitt

No, Sir; I cannot be any more specific than I was in my speech. I am sorry that it did not meet with approval.

Miss Rathbone

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that the present state of the birthrate does not justify further delay in doing what is possible to remove the economic objections to parenthood?

Sir W. Jowitt

I am not losing any time in the preparation of this scheme.

Mr. Naylor

Will opportunity be given to the House to discuss the establishment of a Ministry of Social Security?

Sir W. Jowitt

That matter was fully discussed in the speech to which I have referred, on the Adjournment, the week before last.