HC Deb 05 July 1922 vol 156 cc362-3
29. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSON

asked the Minister of Health the present rate of annual expenditure, based on the latest returns, of money spent in the way of public assistance from all sources for the relief of distress caused by unemployment and for which no useful work is required in return?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. GILMOUR (for Sir A. Mond)

The expenditure of boards of guardians on the outdoor relief of unemployed persons and their dependants during the four weeks ended 27th May last was £983,090, but my right hon. Friend is unable to say to what extent this money was paid to persons from whom no useful work is required. Assuming the same rate of expenditure to continue throughout the year, the total annual expenditure would be £12,780,170. My right hon. Friend must refer the hon. Member to the Minister of Labour for information as to the expenditure on unemployment benefit.

Mr. THOMSON

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Health whether, instead of spending £12,000,000 for doing nothing, he will influence the Minister of Labour to allow grants to be made from the Unemployment Fund for the building of houses, so that we might get productive work?