Lieut.-Colonel HENDERSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he recently addressed a circular to employers and others engaged in industry on the subject of industry taking over unemployment insurance; whether he has received many replies; whether the majority of the 1378W replies express a willingness to give the question consideration; and whether he is prepared to set up a Departmental Committee or recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the whole question?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI addressed a circular letter on 22nd February last to the associations representing the employers and employés in each industry, asking for their views on the question of unemployment insurance by industries. The replies received up to the present indicate considerable diversity of opinion. In the majority of cases sufficient time has not yet elapsed to enable those concerned to formulate their views. In these circumstances I cannot yet decide on the next step to be taken, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I do not underrate the importance of this matter, and that I shall not lose sight of it.