HC Deb 04 April 1911 vol 23 c2141W
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether ho is aware that miners' unions are spending large and increasing sums on unemployed benefit; and whether it is intended to include miners in the forthcoming scheme of unemployment insurance?

Mr. TENNANT

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am aware that there has been some increase in the amount of unemployed benefit paid by miners' unions. As has been before stated in this House, I do not think it advisable at the outset to extend materially the scope of the compulsory part of the scheme of unemployment insurance beyond the groups of trades which have been already mentioned. In any provision that may be made for the encouragement of voluntary insurance miners would naturally be included.