UNEMPLOYMENT DOLES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 51, 24 November 1919, Page 7

UNEMPLOYMENT DOLES

ANIMATED DEBATE IN BOUSE , OF ' COMMONS PAYMENTS TO CIVILIANS TO CEASE By Telccraph-Press Asßoclatlon-CoDyriEh* (Rec. November 23, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 10. ■ Sir R. S. Horne (Minister of Labour), speaking in tho Huuso of Commons, stutud that there were ],100,000 receiving unemployment donation hi May. There were t<13.000 recipients in September, of whom 302,000 were ex-fighters, 05,000 civilians and 35,000 women. There wero now •1711,000 recipients, who did not represent tho actual unemployment, but the unemployment was not greater than Hie averago fifteen years pre-war. A good many were voluntarily idle. The Minister predicted that the poriod of prosperity ahead would enable the country to bear lightly the present colossal burdens.

Sir R. S. Home's statement resulted in an animated debato on the whole, problem of tho withdrawal of doles. Members of all parties united in asking tho Government to continue the doles for eonio weeks until tho Government unemployment scheme, came into operation. Sir R. S. Horne pointed out that when the pavments wero abandoned, a. considerable proportion of (.ho unemployed would be covered by tirade union benefits. Ho hoped soon to introduco the Government proposals.

Mr. J. R. Clynes said that Labour could not silently accept tho proposal. If it was right to pay tho unemployed when tho numbers wore large, surely it was r'glit to continue in view of the increased cost of living. He appealed to the Government to reconsider continuing tho payments until spring. ■ Sir Edwaril Carson concuried, declaring, amid Labour cheers, that tlie case for continuance was unanswerable.

Sir Donald Maclean reproved (ho Government for not submitting a carefully considered substitute scheme for gradual diminution instead of the sudden deprivation at a most inopportune moment .lie urged tho continuance pending an alternative.

Major-General Seely pointed out that tho diminution of Air Ministry employees swelled unemployment, and appealed to the Government to give an opportunity to them to seek work.

Lord Hugh Cecil said that economy was the supreme necessity. Mr. Boiiiir Law stated that the system of doles must be demoralising. It was only justifiable by tho abnormal conditions arising out oE tho war. It could not bo allowed to become permanent. One of the greatest social rstonus would bo comprehensive unemployment insurance, to which' the workers could largely contribute, but it could not bo effected without tho co-operation of organised Labour. This was impossible if Labour was led to think that the donation was obtainable without contribution, i Tho Government was willing to consider an extension until spring if I here was general agreement. (Cries of "Yes," followed by "Noes.") Mr. Boiiar Law replied that the decision must bo left to a. division.

Mr. plynes's tost amendment to reduce tho Ministry of Labour's vote was negalived by 217 votes to 213. This means tho cessation of payments to civilians.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.