HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 c1385
67. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the question of compensation to those firms required to pay guaranteed-week wages; and if he will make a statement.

68. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government will consider compensating those who cannot claim unemployment benefit, such as proprietors of businesses, doctors, dentists, newspaper proprietors, musicians and other professional men and women who suffer loss owing to the fuel shortage.

Mr. Dalton

I regret that any such arrangements would he quite impracticable.

Mr. Haire

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the case of some small firms that give a guaranteed week?

Mr. Dalton

I am afraid it really would be impracticable to pick out firms here and there. It would be quite impossible to draw a line and say, "Thus far and no farther."

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the tact that the whole of this loss is due to the inefficiency of the Government, will the right hon. Gentleman introduce a Bill to surcharge Ministers' salaries to pay for this?