Next come proposals for an increase in the flat rate
of benefit. It is pointed out in that connexion that if the taxpayer took over the debt of the Fund the cost (15,500,000) would be just about equal to the cost of restoring the flat rate to 17s. a week (t5,700,000, on a live register of 2,500,000 persons). That would have to be done in the Unemployment Bill, 'out the Budget could make it possible. Next comes giving more generous scales of relief. This involves making provision in the Budget for the cost of new concessions in the assessment of need. It will be seen that opinion does favour strongly giving priority to improving the lot of the unemployed. There is, however, a considerable body of opinion which holds the orthodox view that the best way to help the unemployed is to lower taxation. This summary of opinions does not mean that Mr. Chamberlain will satisfy them all ; but undoubtedly there will be grave disap- pointment if he is very cautious.
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