Former MP for Mid Bedfordshire
The speeches which have been addressed to the House have shown a genuine anxiety on the part of Members of the House to know exactly what will take place with regard to this matter. I will try to explain the procedure as far as it can be explained, for Members will realise that we are having to carry out an entirely new service as far as the Ministry of Labour are concerned. The unemployed...
No permits have been issued since the 1st January, 1931, to enable foreign bands to come to this country to play for dancing, but three individual foreigners have been granted permission since that date to join British dance bands. Eight bands—comprising 148 individuals—have been admitted since the 1st January, 1931, to play at music hall or cabaret performances. Two of these are still...
I could not answer that question as regards three individuals without having further inquiries made.
My hon. Friend has received further representations with regard to this scheme within the last few days, and is considering whether any useful purpose would be served by again referring the matter to the Unemployment Grants Committee, which has already on two occasions declined to recommend a grant.
A grant can only be made by the Minister on a recommendation from the Unemployments Grants Committee, and that Committee on two occasions have refused to recommend grants.
I assume the hon. Member refers to the proposals for making transitional payments. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Members for Frame (Mr. Gould) and South Shields (Mr. Ede) on 1st October. I understand that the practice of public assistance authorities in Scotland in this respect is broadly the same as that of authorities in England and Wales, as set out in that reply.
They will be laid shortly.
As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.