§ 97. Mr. Holtasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if, in view of the considerable number of workers in Lancashire unable quickly to find alternative employment from that which they have had in the cotton industry, he will now consider an increase in unemployment benefit.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo. As the hon. hon. Member will appreciate, what he proposes would involve legislation to increase rates of unemployment benefit generally with corresponding increases in contributions. I do not think that such94W a measure is an appropriate or, indeed, a practicable way of dealing with the problem which he has in mind.
On the question of provision in respect of operatives displaced in the cotton industry as a result of the proposed reorganisation schemes, I would refer him to the statement made on 23rd April by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.