15. Colonel NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary whether he has any information with regard to the number of unemployed in that part of Ireland outside the jurisdiction of the Northern Irish Parliament; are any of these unemployed in receipt of unemployment benefit from funds provided by the British taxpayer; and, if so, can he give an estimate of the weekly cost entailed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have been asked to reply. On 14th February the number of persons registered as wholly unemployed in Ireland in the area outside the jurisdiction of the Northern Irish Parliament was 54,025, of whom 44,257 were claiming unemployment benefit; in addition 1,132 persons were claiming benefit in respect of systematic short time. Grants under the Dependants' Grants Act were being claimed in addition to benefit where the necessary conditions were satisfied. The weekly amount of benefit paid is about £30,000 and that of grants £4,000.
§ Dr. MACNAMARACertainly.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs it possible under the Regulations for a man to draw the unemployment dole while serving in the Irish Republican Army?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI imagine the hon. Member is referring to unemployment benefit. I do not recognise the word dole. If a man is unemployed and is qualified for benefit he should receive it.
§ Mr. STEWARTWhat about employment in the Irish Republican Army?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should put that down.