HC Deb 09 December 1925 vol 189 cc438-9
26. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that from 16th May to 15th November the number of new applications for relief of able-bodied unemployed at the Glasgow Parish Council was 1,813, and that there were 97,782 renewed applications; is he aware that the monetary relief is £17,000 greater than last year; and will he take the necessary steps to have all such able-bodied unemployed placed upon the Employment Exchange registers?

Mr. BETTERTON

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland that the figures are as stated in the first two parts of the question. As regards the last part of the question, I presume the hon. Member means So suggest not merely that these persons should be placed on the Employment Exchange registers but that they should be granted unemployment benefit. I regret that it is not possible to do this in so far as they fail to satisfy the conditions for the receipt of benefit.

Mr. HARDIE

Are these figures, as shown in the Glasgow Parish Council, included when making up the total figures of unemployed men in Glasgow?

Mr. BETTERTON

I could not say without notice. I should think they probably are.

Mr. HARD1E

How does the hon. Gentleman square these figures with the statement of the Labour Minister last night?

Mr. BETTERTON

I will bring the point to my right hon. Friend's attention.

Mr. MACLEAN

Do not these figures, which the hon. Gentleman admits are correct, show that there is a wide disparity between the number of men recorded as unemployed on the unemployed register and the number who actually have to get relief from the parish council?

Mr. BETTERTON

That, I think, is the same question over again. There is clearly some disparity.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to his chief that these and similar figures all over the country prove that the Government is shifting the burden from the National Exchequer on to local authorities?

Mr. HARDIE

Are cases such as were brought up last night, where youths are put back on to the poverty of the parents, included in these figures?

Mr. BETTERTON

I was not present last night, and I am. not conversant with the precise point the hon. Member raises, but I will bring it to my right hon. Friend's notice.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

If a person is disqualified from benefit, is ho removed from the live register?