Mr. Burns, whose speech provoked the loud disapproval of the
Labour Members, pointed out that there was little sense in the arrangement by which men out of work were kept waiting for hours on the Embankment for shelter-tickets. The law provided warmth and food in the casual wards, but every night many beds were vacant there as well as in the lodging-houses. The degree of unemployment had been exaggerated, and the Government believed they could reduce what there undoubtedly was by their system of labour exchanges. The Government were learning by experience ; laud reclarnation and women's workrooms wore of little use. As for afforestation, the Government were seriously considering the matter in the light of the recent Report, but they must know first that money would be available. Nearly all the measures promised in the King's Speech would tend to reduce unemployment, and the Government would extend them if they remained in office, as they intended to do, for three years. Mr. Crooks and Mr. Keir Hardie made angry rejoinders, and the debate was wound up in high-sounding phrases by Mr. Churchill.
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