§ 52. Mr. LYONSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the cost of restoring one-half of the cuts made to unemployment benefits in 1931?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)I have been asked to 36 reply. The restoration of one-half of the reduction in rates of benefit made in October, 1931, would increase the amount of benefit, in respect of the present number of claimants, by about £2,200,000 per annum. This figure does not include transitional payments.
§ Mr. LYONSIs the hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether, when circumstances permit, the restoration of these benefits will be the first consideration of the Government?
§ Sir H. CROFTWill the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the very great cut of something like 30 per cent. on those who used to receive interest on War Loan?