It is occasionally suggested that debates in Parliament should be
broadcast. No one would gain more from this innovation than Mr. Buchanan, whose speeches seldom receive the attention from the Press that they deserve. His acquaintance with the difficulties of the very poor is probably more intimate than that of any other M.P., and he has scarcely ever been known to be inaccurate in his statements of fact. Recently he has unearthed a fresh grievance against the Unemployment Assistance Board. It seems that the Board's investigators have been supplied with a new form on which they are expected to write their comments on the applicants whose homes they visit. According to Mr. Buchanan's information they now go so far in some cases as to describe the applicant's political opinions. One man was said to hold " seditious views " and another was alleged to spend over-much time upon his religious devotions instead of making efforts to get work. These entries were strictly confidential, so that, except by accident, the persons concerned had no means of dis- covering what was alleged about them or of answering such criticisms as might be made. It was a pity that the Minister of Labour, in winding up, could not find time to deal with this matter. It certainly requires clearing up. That a man should be condemned, or at any rate seriously prejudiced, unheard is indefensible.
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