HC Deb 19 October 1920 vol 133 cc749-50
12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the number of ex-service officers and men unemployed?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)

On 8th October there were on the Live Registers of the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour, 5,853 officers and 5,816 men of similar educational qualifications; at the same date there were on the Live Registers of Employment Exchanges 186,709 ex-service men. I fully recognise that there is a margin beyond this of officers and men unemployed, but not registered with us.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it the intention of the Government to extend the unemployment donation to ex-service men or bring it to an end next month?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I shall answer that question later.

14. Mr. LYLE

asked the Minister of Labour the number of ex-service men out of employment on 16th October, the amount of unemployment donation paid on that date, and the intentions of the Government towards these men when the donation ceases on 8th November?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The number of ex-service men registered at Employment Exchanges throughout the United Kingdom on 8th October, the last day for which figures are available, was 186,709. The total amount paid by way of Out-of-Work Donation in respect of the week ending 6th October is £173,387, £172,960 to ex-service men and women and £877 to merchant seamen. The question of making further provision in respect of ex-service men and women whose rights to donation cease on 8th November next, and who are not entitled to unemployment benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, is at present engaging the attention of the Government. I hope to be able to make a statement shortly.

Colonel GREIG

Will the Minister of Labour impress upon employers the advisability, when unemployment begins to cease, of giving priority to ex-service men?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Certainly. I spend a good deal of my time doing that.

Commander Viscount CURZON

Do the figures show an increase or a decrease?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Since the 31st of August, when the employment barometer began to fall, there has been an increase.