§ Mr. ROBERT HARCOURTasked the Prime Minister whether any, and, if so, what steps are in contemplation with regard to the resolution passed in October last by the Central (Unemployed) Body for London and by 40 distress committees in other towns, which was sent to His Majesty's Government, pointing out that they found themselves quite unable to carry out their duties under the Unemployed Workmen Act, and calling upon 1435W the Government to establish a national authority to deal with unemployment; and whether it would be possible, on a Vote of the House of Commons, without other legislation than the Appropriation Act, for such a national authority for unemployment to be established?
§ Mr. BURNS:The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. With regard to the first part of the question, the Government cannot at the moment contemplate action on the lines suggested by the resolution. No such change could be effected without legislation, and it does not appear to me that such legislation could be other than controversial.